Influência da estimulação oromiofuncional precoce em bebês com Síndrome de Down

Abstract

Introduction: Down´s syndrome is a non-progressive genetic disorder, in which the individual presents changes in his stomatognathic system. This is a complex set of interdependent structures, where form and function are related. It is responsible for the functions of sucking, chewing, swallowing, phonoarticulation and breathing. Thus its functional and anatomical integrity is fundamental for the correct growth and development of intra and extraoral structures. Early stimulation aims to avoid and / or ameliorate developmental disorders, constituting a set of procedures, techniques and programs designed to facilitate the development of abilities by children. Objective: demonstrate functional aspects of the stomatognathic system after oromiofunctional stimulation in infants with Down syndrome. Methods: This is a qualitative descriptive research, carried out in a clinical school of Speech Therapy at a higher education institution in the Northeast of Brazil. This study includes 11 babies with Down syndrome who are followed up at the clinic. The data were collected in the babies' charts. To do so, the following steps were taken: to identify the profile of the Down Syndrome infants, regarding the tonicity and posture of the phonoarticulatory organs before and after stimulation and to demonstrate the modifications of the phonoarticulatory organs regarding these aspects after the intervention period. Results: Regarding the postural condition of the lips 04 showed improvement, 06 presented the same pattern and 01 presented worsening. Regarding the postural condition of the mandible 04 they improved, 06 maintained the same condition and 01 worsened. Regarding the aspect of the cheeks, it was observed that 04 showed improvement and 07 maintained the same condition. On the characterization of facial symmetry 07 presented the same state and 01 obtained improvement. As for the tongue position, 02 presented worsening, 04 a slight improvement and 05 maintained the same pattern. Regarding the hard palate, all babies kept the pattern. Conclusion: This research shows the importance of early speech therapy for individuals with DS. The changes presented by these children range from muscular hypotonia, narrow and deep palate, facial asymmetry and oral breathing. Appropriate speech therapy can bring positive results in the evolution of these individuals