The Effect of Metabolic Disease on Language and Swallowing Skills in Children: A Case Report

Abstract

Objectives: The present research aims to highlight the impact of hyperammonemia, a common pediatric metabolic disease, on children’s language and feeding skills. This research was conducted through a literature review and the presentation of a 2.5-year-old girl diagnosed with hyperammonemia. Case Presentation: The research was conducted on a 2.5-year-old girl who had been diagnosed with a sudden-onset metabolic disorder that resulted in swallowing, speech, and language problems. The child’s receptive and productive language and feeding history were obtained through interviews with her mother. Formal and informal tests were used to assess the child’s language and feeding skills at two different times after the onset of symptoms. Discussion: This study presents a new and unique case of a child with very high levels of ammonia and severe clinical manifestations of cognitive, language, and motor dysfunctions. Although the child did not receive any direct interventions during the study, a secondary assessment revealed slight improvements in some language and oral motor skills, possibly due to maturation and advice provided by rehabilitation team members.

Keywords

• hyperammonemia
• metabolic disease
• communication
• swallowing
• feeding