The aim of this study was to describe the speech-language intervention for the adequacy of the alimentary function through assessment and treatment of the stomatognathic system and its functions. The study was carried out based on the case report of a newborn with popliteal pterygium syndrome, fed by tube while taken care of at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The speech-language assessment presented the following results: retracted jaw with little opening, hypertrofic inferior and superior gums, incomplete cleft palate, present and adequate oral reflexes (search, sucking, swallowing), anterior trigger of the gag reflex and overactive bite reflex. The oral sensitiveness was impaired. The non-nutritive sucking resulted in a ratio of 3:1 sucks per burst, with rhythm, but weak. In the nutritive sucking with a bottle, the newborn presented a 5:1 sucks per burst ratio, with long pauses. Signs of stress were observed, with breathing alteration, mild inspiratory stridor, a choking episode, and anterior and overactive gag reflex, demonstrating oral hypersensitivity in response to the use of a conventional bottle teat. Five weekly sessions of speech-language therapy were carried out, with orientations to the mother and the nursing team regarding position, oral stimulation and use of orthodontic bottle teats. The newborn was discharged with full oral feeding and good weight gain.
Infant, newborn; Feeding behavior; Abnormalities, multiple; Cleft palate; Intensive care, neonatal