Abstract
Feeding functional disorders are prevalent among severely handicapped children. Since 1981 we have been running a feeding training programme for severely handicapped children institutionalized in our hospital. Developmental levels of feeding functions of 27 children were examined in 1983 and 1987, and changes in the levels during the 5-year-period were evaluated.
The following results were obtained:
1) Lip closing functions were significantly developed.
2) Tongue protrusions were markedly decreased.
3) Food manipulation skills inside the mouth were also significantly improved. Cases with reverse swallow were totally disappeared. Chewing movements and more matured swallowing functions were acquired in many cases.
4) As a whole, it was believed that the feeding training had been beneficial even for the severely handicapped children
