Developmental outcome in a tracheostomized child: A case study

Abstract

Developmental outcome of a child (AX) who experienced a tracheostomy at three months are reported. He had prolonged hospitalization and psychomotor therapy in an intensive care unit. The course and the developmental changes are documented from birth to four years. A pattern of delay in speech and language production was found with (a) no hearing loss, (b) no cognitive impairment, (c) an average level of fine motor skills, (d) no behavioral disorders, and (e) a normal auditory comprehension and visual intelligence. His delay of speech and language production with reference to early intervention suggest that it may be a consequence of the asphyxia sustained or possibly of Ehler‐Danlos syndrome.

Key words:

• Tracheostomy
• psychomotor therapy
• language production
• follow‐up developmental outcome