Investigation of Swallowing Performance and Family Impact in Children With Speech and Language Delay.

objectiveThis study aims to examine the relationship between delayed speech, feeding, and swallowing performance in children with speech and language delay (SLD) by comparing their feeding and swallowing performance with typically developing children, and to assess the impact of swallowing performance on families.

methodsA total of 60 children aged 24-60 months whose mother language was Turkish and their families participated in the study. Participants were divided into two groups: 40 children diagnosed with SLD and 20 typically developing children. Swallowing performance were assessed using the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (PEDI EAT-10), the Oral Speech Mechanism Screening Examination-Third Edition (OSMSE-3), and the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS). Nutritional status was assessed using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), while family impact was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and the Feeding/Swallowing Impact Survey (FS-IS).

resultsResults showed significant differences between the two groups in PEDI-EAT-10, OSMSE-3, and KCPS scores. The SLD group demonstrated significantly higher PEDI-EAT-10 scores (1.60 ± 4.21) compared with the typically developing control (TDC) group (0.00 ± 0.00; p = 0.011). Similarly, KCPS scores were significantly elevated in the SLD group (0.60 ± 0.59) relative to the TDC group (0.05 ± 0.22; p = 0.001). In contrast, the total OSMSE-3 score was significantly lower in the SLD group (40.40 ± 7.49) than in the TDC group (48.80 ± 2.07; p < 0.001), indicating poorer oral sensorimotor function among children with SLD. However, no significant difference was found in FOIS scores (p = 0.058). Regarding family impact, significant differences were observed in PedsQL and FS-IS scores (p = 0.001; p = 0.044).

conclusionIn conclusion, the swallowing performance and oral motor function of children with SLD were found to be significantly different from children without SLD. This suggests a possible association between motor planning deficits and the co-occurrence of speech and language disorders and swallowing dysfunction. In addition, families of children with SLD reported lower quality of life and greater concerns about feeding and swallowing. These findings underscore the importance of addressing both SLD and swallowing disorder concurrently in clinical practice. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject Speech and language delay (SLD) is among the most common developmental disorders in early childhood and often co-occurs with feeding and swallowing difficulties. Both speech and swallowing rely on shared neuromuscular and motor planning processes, suggesting a potential link between the two. Previous studies indicate that early feeding/swallowing challenges may serve as risk indicators for later language impairments. However, existing research has primarily focused on communication and learning outcomes, with limited attention given to swallowing performance in children with isolated SLD and the psychosocial impact on their families. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This study demonstrates that children with SLD exhibit significantly poorer swallowing performance and oral motor function compared to typically developing peers, despite showing no clinically significant nutritional limitations. It also highlights that families of children with SLD experience lower quality of life and greater daily challenges related to feeding and swallowing. By excluding confounding conditions such as neurological disorders and autism, this study provides clearer evidence of the association between SLD and swallowing dysfunction, as well as its negative impact on families-an area that has been largely underexplored in the literature. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this study? The findings underscore the need for clinicians to assess swallowing and oral motor skills in children presenting with SLD, even when overt feeding problems are not reported. Early identification of swallowing difficulties can support timely interventions that may mitigate developmental challenges. Moreover, given the demonstrated impact on families, clinical management should incorporate caregiver support and family-centered approaches. Integrating swallowing assessments into routine SLD evaluations could improve diagnostic accuracy, guide multidisciplinary interventions, and ultimately enhance both child outcomes and family quality of life.