Avaliação e intervenção responsiva e integrativa na criança com distúrbio alimentar pediátrico com Trissomia do 21: Relato de caso / Responsive and integrative assessment and intervention in children with pediatric feeding disorder with Trisomy 21: A case report / Evaluación e intervención receptiva e integradora en un niño con trastorno alimentario pediátrico con Trisomía 21: Reporte de caso

Na criança com Trissomia do 21 a dificuldade alimentar pode estar presente. Alguns sinais são as alterações na habilidade motora-oral, no processamento sensorial, tempo elevado das refeições, recusa alimentar prolongada e falta de autonomia. Ainda pouco se discute sobre as dificuldades alimentares e seu processo terapêutico nesta população. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a avaliação e intervenção fonoaudiológica e da terapia ocupacional na dificuldade alimentar de uma criança com Trissomia do 21 com o uso de estratégias de alimentação responsiva e integrativa. Criança 3 anos e 2 meses, sexo masculino. Avaliação fonoaudiológica demonstrou criança com distúrbio alimentar pediátrico, caracterizado por atraso na habilidade motora-oral, baixa percepção intraoral e comportamento alimentar altamente seletivo. Na avaliação da terapia ocupacional verificou-se perfil sensorial alterado. Na fonoterapia foram trabalhados aspectos como a percepção do alimento, ritmo e o tempo de alimentação. Na terapia ocupacional, o objetivo foi adequar nível de alerta, favorecer a independência e o desenvolvimento psicomotor. Após a intervenção, a reavaliação fonoaudiológica demonstrou que houve ampliação do cardápio, melhora da percepção, da habilidade motora intraoral, aceitação de diferentes utensílios e modos de apresentação do alimento, autonomia e prazer nas refeições. A reavaliação da terapia ocupacional mostrou um nível de alerta e atenção mais adequado, uso das mãos e dedos de maneira mais funcional para se alimentar. Foram observadas evoluções positivas em relação à intervenção fonoaudiológica e da terapia ocupacional na dificuldade alimentar de uma criança com Trissomia do 21 com o uso de estratégias de alimentação responsiva e integrativa. (AU)

In children with Trisomy 21 feeding difficulty can be observed, such as changes in oral motor skills, sensory processing, longer mealtimes, food refusal, lack of autonomy and others. However, there is little discussion about feeding difficulties and rehabilitation process in this population. This study aimed to describe speech-language and occupational therapy assessment and intervention in feeding difficulties in a 3-year and 2-month-old male child with a diagnosis of Trisomy 21. Speech-language pathology assessment found that the child had feeding difficulties, delay in oral motor skills, low intraoral perception and acceptance, while the occupational therapy assessment showed an altered sensory profile. The speech-language pathology sessions included aspects such as food perception, rhythm and feeding time. In turn, occupational therapy sessions aimed to adjust the alertness level, promote independence and psychomotor development. After the intervention, the speech-language pathology reassessment showed that there was an expansion of the menu for the ingestion, improvement in perception and intraoral motor skills, acceptance of different utensils and food presentation modes, autonomy and pleasure in meals. The reassessment of occupational therapy showed a better level of alertness and attention, more functional use of hands and fingers to eat. Therefore, a positive progress was observed in the feeding difficulty of a child with Trisomy 21 after a speech-language pathology and occupational therapy intervention with the use of responsive and integrative feeding strategies. (AU)

Niños con Trisomía 21, pueden presentar dificultades de alimentación. Algunos signos son cambios en las habilidades motrices orales, procesamiento sensorial, tiempos prolongados de comida, rechazo prolongado de alimentos y falta de autonomía. Hay poca discusión sobre las dificultades de alimentación y su proceso terapéutico en esta población. El objetivo deste estudio fue describir la evaluación e intervención fonoaudiológica y de terapia ocupacional en la dificultad de alimentación de un niño con Trisomía 21 utilizando estrategias de alimentación receptiva e integradora. Niño de 3 años y 2 meses. La evaluación fonoaudiológica mostró un trastorno alimentario pediátrico, caracterizado por un retraso en las habilidades motoras orales, percepción intraoral baja y comportamiento alimentario altamente selectivo. En la evaluación de terapia ocupacional se observó un perfil sensorial alterado. En fonoaudiología se trabajaron aspectos como la percepción de alimentos, ritmo y tiempo de alimentación. En terapia ocupacional, el objetivo fue ajustar el nivel de alerta, favoreciendo la independencia y desarrollo psicomotor. Después de la intervención, la reevaluación fonoaudiológica se evidenció una ampliación del menú, mejoras en percepción, motricidad intraoral, aceptación de diferentes utensilios y formas de presentar alimentos, autonomía y placer en las comidas. La reevaluación de terapia ocupacional mostró un nivel de alerta y atención más adecuado, uso de manos y dedos de forma más funcional para alimentarse. Fueron observadas evoluciones positivas con relación a la intervención fonoaudiológica y de terapia ocupacional en la dificultad de alimentación de un niño con Trisomía 21 con el uso de estrategias de alimentación receptiva e integradora. (AU)

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the montreal children's hospital feeding scale into brazilian portuguese / Adaptação transcultural e validação da montreal children's hospital feeding scale para o português falado no brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To cross-culturally adapt and validate the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale (MCH-FS) into Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: The MCH-FS, originally validated in Canada, was validated in Brazil as Escala Brasileira de Alimentação Infantil (EBAI) and developed according to the following steps: translation, production of the Brazilian Portuguese version, testing of the original and the Brazilian Portuguese versions, back-translation, analysis by experts and by the developer of the original questionnaire, and application of the final version. The EBAI was applied to 242 parents/caregivers responsible for feeding children from 6 months to 6 years and 11 months of age between February and May 2018, with 174 subjects in the control group and 68 ones in the case group. The psychometric properties evaluated were validity and reliability. Results: In the case group, 79% of children were reported to have feeding difficulties, against 13% in the control group. The EBAI had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.79). Using the suggested cutoff point of 45, the raw score discriminated between cases and controls with a sensitivity of 79.4% and specificity of 86.8% (area under the ROC curve=0.87). Conclusions: The results obtained in the validation process of the EBAI demonstrate that the questionnaire has adequate psychometric properties and, thus, can be used to identify feeding difficulties in Brazilian children from 6 months to 6 years and 11 months of age.

RESUMO Objetivo: Realizar a adaptação transcultural e a validação da escala Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale (MCH-FS) para a língua portuguesa falada no Brasil. Métodos: A MCH-FS, originalmente validada no Canadá, foi validada no Brasil como Escala Brasileira de Alimentação Infantil (EBAI) e desenvolvida a partir das seguintes etapas: tradução, montagem da versão em português brasileiro, teste da versão em inglês e da versão em português brasileiro, retrotradução, análise por experts e autora do questionário original e aplicação da versão final em estudo. A EBAI foi aplicada em 242 pais/cuidadores responsáveis pela alimentação de crianças de seis meses a seis anos e 11 meses de idade no período de fevereiro a maio de 2018, sendo 174 no grupo controle e 68 no grupo dos casos. As propriedades psicométricas avaliadas foram validade e confiabilidade. Resultados: No grupo dos casos, 79% dos pais/cuidadores relataram dificuldades alimentares, e no grupo controle, 13%. A EBAI apresentou boa consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach=0,79). Utilizando-se o ponto de corte sugerido de 45, o escore bruto (raw score) diferenciou casos de controles com sensibilidade de 79,4% e especificidade de 86,8% (área sob a curva ROC=0,87). Conclusões: Os resultados obtidos na validação da EBAI evidenciaram medidas psicométricas adequadas. Portanto, a escala pode ser utilizada na identificação de dificuldades alimentares em crianças brasileiras de seis meses a seis anos e 11 meses idade.

Parental management of feeding problems in young children-a population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the practices that parents use to manage feeding problems in healthy children and in children with gastrointestinal diseases. Secondly, for each of these two groups we examined the association of select child and parent variables with parental feeding practices. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional case-control study. The sample consisted of 901 children (765 healthy children of typical development and 136 children with gastrointestinal diseases), aged one to seven years. The feeding problem management practices were investigated through 23 closed-ended questions. The anthropometric and demographic data of children and the demographic data of parents were collected by administering structured set of questions to parents. RESULTS: The prevalence of parent-reported feeding problems was 30.6% for healthy children and 45.7% for children with gastrointestinal diseases. The most common practices adopted by parents of healthy children were highlighting the benefits of food (80.5%), correlating food with pleasure (71.6%) and praising (59.1%), whereas almost half of the parents were found not to accept that their children may not be hungry and insisted on trying to feed them. Statistically significant differences were noted in many parental practices between the two groups. Parents of children with gastrointestinal diseases were generally more involved in the feeding process. Verbal praising (69.1%), correlation with pleasure (79.4%), promotion of benefits (77.2%) as well as assistance during feeding (63.2%) were the most common parental practices in the gastrointestinal group. Age, birth order, being the only child and weight status were child variables that differentiated parental behavior. Parental characteristics that affected feeding practises were age, education and work status. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of feeding problems was reported by parents of both healthy children and children with gastrointestinal diseases. Beside the presence of a disease, specific child and parent variables are significantly related to parental behavior when managing feeding problems.

Functional Improvements of Speech, Feeding, and Sleep After Lingual Frenectomy Tongue-Tie Release: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Recent studies suggest that speech, solid feeding, and sleep difficulties may be linked to restricted tongue function. Children with tongue restrictions and speech, feeding, and sleep issues underwent lingual frenectomies with a CO2 laser, paired with myofunctional exercises. Questionnaires were completed before, 1 week after, and 1 month following treatment. Thirty-seven patients participated in the study (mean age 4.2 years [range 13 months to 12 years]). Overall, speech improved in 89%, solid feeding improved in 83%, and sleep improved in 83% of patients as reported by parents. Fifty percent (8/16) of speech-delayed children said new words after the procedure (P = .008), 76% (16/21) of slow eaters ate more rapidly (P < .001), and 72% (23/32) of restless sleepers slept less restlessly (P < .001). After tongue-tie releases paired with exercises, most children experience functional improvements in speech, feeding, and sleep. Providers should screen for oral restrictions in children and refer for treatment when functions are impaired.

Delayed Resolution of Feeding Problems in Patients With Congenital Hyperinsulinism.

Background: Congenital Hyperinsulinism (CHI) is the most common cause of recurrent and severe hypoglycaemia in childhood. Feeding problems occur frequently in severe CHI but long-term persistence and rates of resolution have not been described. Methods: All patients with CHI admitted to a specialist center during 2015-2016 were assessed for feeding problems at hospital admission and for three years following discharge, through a combination of specialist speech and language therapy review and parent-report at clinical contact. Results: Twenty-five patients (18% of all patients admitted) with CHI were prospectively identified to have feeding problems related to sucking (n = 6), swallowing (n = 2), vomiting (n = 20), and feed aversion (n = 17) at the time of diagnosis. Sixteen (64%) patients required feeding support by nasogastric/gastrostomy tubes at diagnosis; tube feeding reduced to 4 (16%) patients by one year and 3 (12%) patients by three years. Feed aversion resolved slowly with mean time to resolution of 240 days after discharge; in 15 patients followed up for three years, 6 (24%) continued to report aversion. The mean time (days) to resolution of feeding problems was lower in those who underwent lesionectomy (n = 4) than in those who did not (30 vs. 590, p = 0.009) and significance persisted after adjustment for associated factors (p = 0.015). Conclusion: Feeding problems, particularly feed aversion, are frequent in patients with CHI and require support over several years. By contrast, feeding problems resolve rapidly in patients with focal CHI undergoing curative lesionectomy, suggesting the association of feeding problems with hyperinsulinism.

Scurvy as a Sequela of Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder in Autism: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To document the clinical presentation of scurvy in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and summarize the contemporary approaches to assessment and management in this population. Scurvy is a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency most often detected in populations at high risk for nutrition insufficiency (e.g., extreme poverty). Children with ASD and severe food selectivity consistent with avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder may also be at risk for scurvy. METHOD: We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases (1990-2018) in peer-reviewed journals for studies of children with ASD and scurvy. Inclusion criteria required confirmed diagnosis of ASD and scurvy in children (birth to 18 years) with a clear description of restrictive dietary patterns. Cases of scurvy due to other causes were excluded. We used a standardized protocol to independently code information; agreement between coders was high. RESULTS: The systematic search identified 20 case reports involving 24 children (mean age = 9 ± 3.5; 22 boys/2 girls). The eventual diagnosis of scurvy followed a wide range of negative diagnostic testing; treatment with ascorbic acid and/or a multivitamin resulted in rapid improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms of scurvy mimic other pediatric conditions (e.g., cancer). The range of diagnostic testing increased costs and healthcare risks (radiation, sedation) and delayed the diagnosis of scurvy. In children with ASD and severe food selectivity, a nutrition evaluation and laboratory testing are warranted before a more elaborate testing.

Onset, Trajectory, and Pattern of Feeding Difficulties in Toddlers Later Diagnosed with Autism.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the emergence and trajectory of feeding difficulties in young children who are later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: The Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) was administered to a sample of 93 toddlers with an older sibling with ASD-the high-risk group-and 62 toddlers with no known familial ASD-the low-risk group-as part of a larger infant sibling study. The BPFAS was completed by parents at 15, 18, 24, and 36 months of age. At 36 months, participants underwent a diagnostic assessment and were classified into 1 of the following 4 outcome groups: ASD, nontypical development, high-risk typically developing, and low-risk typically developing. The BPFAS was scored for total frequency of feeding difficulties and autism-specific factor scores previously described in the literature. RESULTS: The frequency of feeding difficulties increased significantly more rapidly in the ASD group between 15 and 36 months of age, and by 36 months, they exhibited a significantly higher total frequency score than all other groups. Analysis of the factor scores revealed a similar pattern for the food acceptance and mealtime behavior domains but no significant differences in the medical/oral motor domain. CONCLUSION: Feeding difficulties develop significantly more rapidly in children with ASD, with longitudinal monitoring revealing the steeper trajectory earlier than can be detected with cross-sectional analysis. Children with ASD are at risk of health and social consequences of poor feeding behavior that may potentially be minimized if addressed early and appropriately.

Feeding difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorder: Aetiology, health impacts and psychotherapeutic interventions.

Feeding difficulties are common and significant issues for children with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Key features of autism are intrinsically linked with factors contributing to these children's feeding difficulties. Following a multidisciplinary assessment to exclude non-behavioural reasons for the feeding difficulty, there are two mainstay modalities of treatment: operant conditioning and systematic desensitisation. Currently, evidence points towards operant conditioning as the most efficacious psychotherapy. However, recent research into cognitive behavioural therapy for older children with feeding difficulties has shown promising results and will be an area to monitor in the coming years. This review outlines the causes and health impacts and evaluates current evidence supporting the available psychotherapeutic interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder experiencing feeding difficulties.

Randomized controlled trial of an applied behavior analytic intervention for food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Food selectivity is a common problem for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; Schreck, Williams, & Smith, 2004). Behavior-analytic interventions have the most empirical support for feeding disorders (Sharp, Jaquess, Morton, & Miles, 2011). However, there are no randomized controlled trials that have evaluated its effects with a well-defined cohort of children with ASD. In the current investigation, we randomly assigned 6 young children with ASD and food selectivity to either an applied behavior analytic intervention or a wait-list control. We used a crossover randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of a multicomponent applied behavior analytic intervention on independent acceptance and mouth clean of 16 novel foods. We subsequently exposed the wait-list control group to the intervention. We also evaluated the effects of the intervention on individual participants with single-case designs. The percentage of independent acceptance and mouth clean increased for the applied behavior analytic intervention group, but not for the wait-list control group until we implemented the intervention.

Problems of feeding, sleeping and excessive crying in infancy: a general population study.

OBJECTIVE: To study regulatory problems (RPs) of feeding, sleeping and excessive crying in infancy, and explore the influence of maternal mental health problems and parent-child relationship problems. DESIGN AND SETTING: Data were collected in the general child health surveillance delivered to infant families by community health nurses (CHNs). Information on CHNs' assessments and conclusions were obtained on 2598 infants and merged with data from national registers. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to study RPs in early and late infancy, and the influences due to child, family and parent-child relationship problems. RESULTS: Combined RPs (C-RPs), defined as two or more simultaneous problems of feeding, sleeping or excessive crying, was identified in 2.9% and 8.6% of the population between age 2-6 and 8-11 months, respectively. Low maternal schooling and immigrant parents were associated with an increased risk of late C-RPs, but RPs in early infancy stand out as the main predictor of late C-RPs OR 3.4 (95% CI 1.8 to 6.6), and the effect of early maternal mental health problems and parent-child relationship problems seem to be mediated by early C-RPs. CONCLUSIONS: Combined problems of feeding, sleeping or excessive crying may exist throughout infancy independently of exposures to maternal mental health problems and parent-child relationship problems. The results indicate that infants with RPs exceeding age 2 months need special attention, in clinical as well as community settings. Suggested intervention includes specific guidance to the parents to help them understand and regulate their infant's sensitivity and reactions.

Developmental Trajectories of Feeding Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Although feeding problems are a common concern in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), few longitudinal studies have examined their persistence over time. The purpose of this study was to examine the developmental progression of feeding problems across four time points in preschoolers with ASD. METHODS: Group-based trajectory analyses revealed four distinct trajectories of feeding problems in our sample (N = 396). RESULTS: The majority of children showed levels of feeding problems that were low from the outset and stable (Group 1; 26.3%) or moderate and declining over time (Group 2; 38.9%). A third group (26.5%) showed high levels of feeding problems as preschoolers that declined to the average range by school age. Few participants (8.3%) showed evidence of severe chronic feeding problems. Feeding problems were more highly correlated with general behavior problems than with autism symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings demonstrated that in our sample of children with ASD, most feeding problems remitted over time, but a small subgroup showed chronic feeding problems into school age. It is important to consider and assess feeding problems in ASD against the backdrop of typical development, as many children with ASD may show improvement with age.

Prevalence, comorbidity and factors associated with sleeping, crying and feeding problems at 1 month of age: A community-based survey.

AIM: To examine, in a community cohort of healthy one-month-old infants, (i) the prevalence of early infant sleeping, crying and feeding problems; (ii) the extent to which they co-exist; and (iii) infant and mother characteristics associated with each problem alone and with comorbid problems. METHODS: A survey at 4 weeks of infant age examined the presence of infant sleeping, crying and feeding problems (yes/no); parenting self-efficacy; rating of self as a tense person; and doubts about parenting at bedtime. RESULTS: A total of 770 mothers (39% of those approached) with a total of 781 infants (11 twins) took part. Infant sleeping, crying and feeding problems were reported by 38.5, 27.4 and 25.2% of mothers, respectively. On comorbidity, 25.5% reported one problem, 20.5% reported two and 7.3% reported all three problems. Mothers of first-born infants reported more crying problems and comorbid problems. Mothers who described themselves as a 'tense person' reported more infant feeding problems. Maternal doubt and low self-efficacy were consistently associated with each type of infant problem and comorbid problems (adjusting for other factors). CONCLUSION: Mothers expressing doubt and low parenting self-efficacy may benefit from additional support and guidance on normal infant behaviour.

Feeding practices and growth of infants with Pierre Robin Sequence.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of feeding practices on growth in infants with Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS) during their inpatient stay in a neonatal intensive care unit in a large tertiary paediatric hospital setting. METHODS: A retrospective review of feeding practices in infants with PRS was conducted between January 2006 and September 2017. Baseline demographics, nutrition-related and general outcomes were collected. Feeding difficulties, length of stay (LOS) and malnutrition were the primary outcome measures. Feeding difficulties included absence or poor-quality suck, episodes of aspiration, use of proton pump inhibitors or multiple episodes of vomiting. Malnutrition was classified as a weight-for-age Z score of < -1. RESULTS: Analysis was conducted on 49 infants with PRS that met eligibility criteria. Feeding difficulties correlated with a longer LOS (24.1 vs 6.8 days (p = 0.001)) Z-scores differed significantly between birth and discharge (0.21(1.84) vs -1.27(2.14)) (p < 0.001*) with malnutrition being evident in 26 infants of which only 17 infants were seen by a dietitian. Presence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increased the likelihood of malnutrition (OR 1.40(CI-1.11-1.77)). CONCLUSION: Infants with PRS are highly likely to have feeding difficulties and malnutrition. Early intervention by a dietitian is recommended to reduce the impacts of feeding difficulties, meet elevated energy requirements and facilitate growth. Infants with a longer inpatient stay or presence of IUGR should have their growth and feeding routinely monitored.

Childhood body mass index and development of eating disorder traits across adolescence.

OBJECTIVE: Understanding the role of premorbid body mass index (BMI) in the emergence of eating disorders may be key to identifying effective prevention strategies. We explore relations between BMI and eating disorders traits in young twins. METHOD: The effect of BMI at age 9/12 and 15 on eating disorder traits measured using the Eating Disorders Inventory-2 (EDI) at ages 15 and 18 was examined using bivariate modelling in a longitudinal population sample of Swedish twins. RESULTS: The correlation between BMI and EDI within individuals was stable across all ages and remained significant after adjusting for later BMI. Bivariate analysis indicated significant positive genetic correlations between BMI ages 9/12 and 15 and subsequent EDI scores. The relationship remained significant for BMI age 9/12 and EDI age 15 in the adjusted model, indicating a longitudinal association. CONCLUSION: Our results have implications for conceptualizing the interrelation of BMI and eating disorders across childhood and adolescence.

Reliability and validity of the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale in paediatric neuromuscular diseases: A system for classification of chewing disorders.

Chewing disorders can be seen in children with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs), which may cause swallowing difficulties such as choking, retching and food stuck feeling in the throat. Due to these effects, it is important to determine chewing disorders early with appropriate assessment methods to plan appropriate therapies in NMDs. The aim of this study was to investigate reliability and validity of the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS) in children with NMDs. Age, sex and diagnosis were recorded. Children were asked to chew a standardised biscuit while video-recording. Two physical therapists scored each video according to the KCPS. The correlation between the KCPS scores of 2 therapists was analysed for interobserver reliability. One therapist rescored the recordings after an interval of 2 weeks for intra-observer reliability. The Pediatric Version of the Eating Assessment Tool (PEDI-EAT-10) was used for criterion-based validity. Sixty-eight children with a mean age of 8.34 ± 3.73 (min = 2.5, max = 14.5) years were included, of which 94.1% were male. Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale scores were found to be level 0 in 20 cases, level 1 in 35 cases, level 2 in 12 cases and level 3 in 1 case. A positive, very strong correlation was detected between 2 therapists (r = .93, P < .001) and between 2 examinations of 1 therapist (r = .83, P < .001). A good correlation between the KCPS and PEDI-EAT-10 was detected (r = .62, P < .001). Chewing function, especially food processing phase, deteriorated in children with NMDs. The KCPS could be used as a reliable and valid instrument in determining chewing performance level for children with NMDs.

Feeding Problems in Infants and Children: Assessment and Etiology.

Feeding problems in infants and young children are common. In healthy children who are developing and growing normally, feeding problems are usually not serious and can be managed conservatively by reassuring the family and providing them with anticipatory guidance and follow-up. A majority of serious childhood feeding problems occur in children who have other medical, developmental, or behavioral problems. These are best evaluated and treated by an interprofessional team who can identify and address issues in the medical and/or developmental history, problems with oral motor control and function, problems with swallowing, and behavioral and/or sensory issues that may interfere with normal feeding.

The association between infantile postural asymmetry and unsettled behaviour in babies.

Unsettled infant behaviour is a common problem of infancy without known aetiology or clearly effective management. Some manual therapists propose that musculoskeletal dysfunction contributes to unsettled infant behaviour, yet reported improvement following treatment is anecdotal. The infantile postural asymmetry measurement scale is a tool which measures infantile asymmetry, a form of musculoskeletal dysfunction. The first part of the study aimed to investigate its reliability and validity for measuring infantile postural asymmetry. This study also aimed to investigate whether there was an association between infantile postural asymmetry and unsettled infant behaviour and whether an association was mediated by, or confounded with, the demographic variables of age, sex, parity, birth weight and weight gain in 12- to 16-week-old infants. Fifty-eight infants were recruited and a quantitative cross-sectional observational design was used. An association between unsettled behaviour and infantile postural asymmetry was not found. A significant difference between high and low cervical rotation deficit groups for surgency was detected in female babies and needs further examination. CONCLUSION: Questions remain regarding the construct validity of the infantile postural asymmetry scale. No association between unsettled infant behaviour and infantile postural asymmetry was found in 12- to 16-week-old infants. The influence of sex on the interaction between infantile postural asymmetry and infant behaviour needs further examination. An association between unsettled infant behaviour and infantile postural asymmetry is still unproven. What is known: • Unsettled infant behaviour has a considerable impact on many family situations. • Identifying a definitive cause has been a source of much examination and research. Many different hypotheses have been suggested yet much is still unknown. What is new: • The association between unsettled infant behaviour and infantile postural asymmetry is still unproven. • The need to validate a reliable tool to measure infantile postural asymmetry, with particular focus on cervical spine rotation deficit, is indicated.