Nutrition Concerns For Children With Disabilities

Natalie Wargo NTR300

Introduction
Nutrition concerns in children with special health care needs include growth, nutritional adequacy, and feeding problems. Children with disabilities are also more likely to be overweight or obese than typical development children.

What is a disability?
A person with a disability is defined as any person who has physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.

Growth
Nutrition is important in maintaining growth if developmental conditions impact feeding. The following symptoms represent nutrition concerns: Slow/fast weight gain Disproportionate of weight to height gain

Unusual growth pattern or plateau

Nutrition Adequacy
Calorie needs are higher or lower depending on disability Cerebral Palsy & Autism require higher caloric intake Nutrient requirements are higher or lower overall Vitamins and minerals are required in higher or lower amounts

Feeding Problems
Feeding problems are correlated with the inadequate nutrient intake in children with disabilities due to these contributing factors:

Low interest
Long mealtimes

Prefer liquids over solid (texture modifications)

Food refusal

Obesity
Children with disabilities are at an increased risk for obesity then normally developed children due to their sedentary lifestyle. Lack of physical activity contributes to obesity in children with disabilities.

Percentage of Obesity Among Children Ages 2-17, by Disability Status

Table

All studies agreed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children with disabilities was almost twice that in their non-disabled peers.

Pictures!