As the foods increase in texture, a greater demand for refinement of oral skill is necessary to be a successful eater. Subsequently, sounds are acquired as new movements are learned . Many children with Down syndrome have small facial structures and muscle tone is often lower than normal. This combination may contribute to the child's inability to produce or achieve intelligible speech . Several factors may contribute to the delay of speech.
Some children display general delays in development.
Others are delayed due to significant muscle weakness, especially of the articulators. This type of weakness, termed dysarthria, may slow the onset of speech and disrupt intelligibility . This problem may exist with or without other causes . Sensory problems may be a coexisting problem. Your child may not willingly try new food textures, tastes or temperature.