Down Syndrome, Oral-Motor Development, and How Early Support Can Help
- Megan Crooks
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
Helping feeding, speech, and function take flight for little ones in Santa Barbara.
Down syndrome (DS), also known as trisomy 21, is the most common chromosomal condition. Children with Down syndrome often have incredible strengths - but they may also experience differences in muscle tone, oral structures, and coordination that can affect feeding, speech clarity, breathing, and overall oral health.
Understanding why these challenges occur - and what can help - empowers families to support their child early and effectively.
Why Oral-Motor Differences Are Common in Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. This genetic difference can influence how muscles and structures in the face and mouth develop and function.
Many individuals with DS experience:
Low muscle tone (hypotonia) in the lips, tongue, and cheeks
Differences in oral and facial structure, such as a narrow palate
Reduced oral-motor coordination, impacting chewing, swallowing, and speech
Together, these factors can affect how the tongue rests, how food is managed in the mouth, and how clearly sounds are produced.
How Hypotonia Affects Speech, Feeding, and Breathing in Down Syndrome
Common Oral-Motor Signs
You may notice:
An open-mouth posture with the tongue resting forward
Tongue thrust during swallowing or speaking
Drooling or difficulty keeping saliva in the mouth
A narrow palate or crowded teeth
Feeding & Speech Challenges
These signs may lead to:
Difficulty chewing textured foods
Longer or more tiring mealtimes
Speech that is harder to understand due to reduced tongue control
Preference for soft foods or food refusal
Breathing & Sleep Concerns
Low oral muscle tone can also contribute to:
Mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing
Dry mouth and increased risk of cavities
A higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea or sleep disordered breathing
Why Early Oral-Motor Intervention Matters
Without support, oral-motor challenges can persist and impact:
Speech development
Nutrition and feeding confidence
Dental health
Airway development and sleep quality
The good news: early, consistent intervention can make a meaningful difference. Supporting oral muscles during childhood helps lay the foundation for clearer speech, safer feeding, and healthier breathing patterns.
Final Thoughts for Families
Children with Down syndrome can absolutely thrive with the right supports in place. Oral-motor therapy is just one piece of a bigger picture - one that honors your child’s individuality while supporting their communication, feeding, and health.
At Seabird Speech Therapy
At Seabird Speech Therapy, children with Down syndrome and other developmental differences are supported through evidence-based speech therapy, feeding therapy, oral-motor therapy, and orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT).
Megan Crooks, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and certified Myo Munchee® practitioner who specializes in feeding therapy and oral-motor development. She works with children who experience feeding challenges, hypotonia, oral-motor differences, mouth breathing, and related airway or functional concerns using a responsive, child-led approach.
Her goal is to help children speak well, breathe well, eat well, and grow well - while preserving felt safety, autonomy, and the parent–child relationship every step of the way.
If you have concerns about your child’s feeding skills, oral-motor development, speech clarity, drooling, chewing, or sensory responses during meals, a consultation can help determine the most supportive next steps. Individualized therapy plans are designed to meet your child where they are and support long-term functional outcomes.
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