Evaluation Methods of Dysphagia in Adults With Intellectual Disability: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Dysphagia is a serious but underdiagnosed health-related condition in people with intellectual disability (ID). In this scoping review, we provide an overview of dysphagia evaluation methods used in adults with ID. The data from 31 studies were analyzed qualitatively by identifying the evaluation methods and the validity and reliability of the methods. To summarize, dysphagia has been evaluated in many ways and for different purposes. The most common evaluation method was a videofluorographic swallowing study (VFSS). Four of the reviewed methods were found to be valid and reliable in detecting swallowing problems in adults with ID.

Keywords: dysphagia; evaluation; intellectual disability; scoping review; swallowing.