Marqueurs précoces des problèmes sensoriels chez le jeune enfant présentant des problèmes d'alimentation
Problem Statement. Thirty-three to 80% of children with developmental problems also have feeding problems. The clinical evaluation of these children constitutes an essential step in identifying feeding problems. Although valid tools for the assessment of oral-motor problems exist, evaluation of oral sensory problems remains very limited, resulting in a marked gap for addressing feeding problems of a sensory nature. Goal. The goal of this study was to put in place several critical steps necessary to develop a measurement instrument for the early identification of sensory feeding problems in the pediatric population. Methods. Several steps, described by Kielhofner and colleagues, for the development of a new evaluation tool were followed. Results. A preliminary version of a parent questionnaire (Questionnaire de la sphère sensorielle de l’alimentation), containing 58 items, has been developed. It allows the documentation of children’s ability to deal with oral sensory issues related to feeding. The test (Test de la sphere sensorielle de l’alimentation) permits evaluation of the tolerance to oral exploration of non-edible and edible items. Implications. This questionnaire and test constitute a first step in the development of a sound clinical oral sensory and feeding assessment tool for young children ages 6 to 36 months.
Trouble sensoriel Questionnaire Child Feeding disorder Sensory disorder Clinical evaluation