My son is 7 years old and has Downs Syndrome. He is the joy of my life, but over the years we have had many challenges several of which are ongoing. My question has to do with his eating: he has had difficulty with feeding issues since birth but over the last few weeks a new behavior has developed. He tends to pocket food in his cheeks, especially meats, until he can no longer chew or swallow. The new behavior is that he completely shuts down at this point and refuses to attempt to swallow the food, even when offered soft foods (like yogurts) or a beverage, both of which helped in the past. He just stares into space and literally drools, refusing to attempt any more chewing or swallowing. As he is still delayed with his speech I am unable to ascertain from him if there is a problem but he does not seem to be in any pain or have any gagging or choking. He often will sit like this as long as I will allow until finally he spits the food out and refuses to eat any more of the meal. This has been happening more often, several times a week and often for every meal in a given day. No amount of positive reinforcement, fussing, or patient offering of favorite rewards have helped. I am very frustrated and don't know how to proceed. Is this a physiological issue involving structural problems with his tongue, throat, or soft pallate ( he has not been sick and I see no signs of inflammation in his throat) or is this a new behavioral issue? After finally spitting out the food he otherwise is back to himself, behavior wise. In the past he has seen gastrointerologists and had swallowing tests with no conclusive feedback or recommendations given. If anyone has any recommendations or advise I would appreciate it as I am not sure how to procede with this new issue.