The Effect of Oromotor and Sensory Treatment on Persistent Thumb Sucking and Basic Feeding and Swallowing in a Toddler with Angelman Syndrome: A Case Report

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BSTRACT

A toddler with Angelman syndrome was the subject of the study to find out the effect of oromotor and sensory therapy on fundamental eating and swallowing as well as prolonged thumb sucking. Pre- and post-test assessments were used as part of the procedure using the Ability for Basic Feeding and Swallowing Scale for Children. We timed using a stopwatch how long the toddler sucked her thumb and how long she cried after taking her thumb out. The oromotor rehabilitation consisted of two phases: preparation of the oral cavity and oral treatment. With a difference of 7 h, the findings indicated a considerable decrease in the amount of time spent persistently sucking one’s thumb. After the thumb was removed, the cry response was also gone. The Ability for Basic Feeding and Swallowing scale value showed a significant difference in the study, demonstrating improvement in fundamental feeding and swallowing abilities. Based on these results, it can be said that oromotor and sensory therapy helped the toddler with Angelman syndrome with fundamental eating and swallowing as well as persistent thumb sucking. Contribution of Research: The study contributes to our understanding of the effects of oromotor and sensory therapy on a toddler with Angelman syndrome. It demonstrates that this therapy can lead to improvements in fundamental eating and swallowing abilities, as well as a decrease in persistent thumb sucking. This research aids in our understanding of the function of oromotor impairment and treatment of genetic diseases like Angelman syndrome.