FEEDING ABILITY IN RETT-SYNDROME

Feeding abilities in 20 individuals with Rett syndrome aged 1 1/2 to 3 3 sears were investigated by history and clinical assessment during a meal, followed by videofluoroscopy of feeding. All were shown to have reduced movements of the mid and posterior tongue, with premature spil lover of food and liquid from the mouth into the pharynx. They also sh owed delayed pharyngeal swallow, but otherwise pharyngeal problems wer e minimal. These findings were noted to be similar to those in Parkins on's disease, Those individuals with the most general neurological imp airment tended to have the worst feeding problems and were smaller and malnourished.