Autumn 1999
Volume 1, Issue s
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Contents: |
Does Your Child Have Difficulty Eating or Growing? Many children with cerebral palsy have problems with feeding and growth. If you are concerned, ask to see a speech therapist, nutritionist and a physical or occupational therapist. Some clinics have a feeding team who will work with you and your child. Good positioning and seating for the child with muscle problems can really make feeding easier and more comfortable for the child. It may also help the child use his or her head and mouth muscles, and arms and hands better. Choosing adaptive cups and utensils is an easier task with the help of the therapists and parents. The therapists would be eager to help with this type of assessment. The speech therapist is an expert in evaluating your child¹s oral function and determining the most appropriate food texture to feed.They can help with the adjustment of the thickness of liquids by watching your child drink. Many exercises and activities and jaw support will improve your child¹s feeding. The registered dietitian or nutritionist can help with food selections to provide all the essential nutrients and calories to make the parents task easier. The nutritionist will help you to select a caloric or vitamin and mineral supplement, as well as plan ways to increase fluids and fiber to prevent or treat constipation. They are knowledgeable about financial resources available for funding supplements. The nutritionist will also help with behavioral issues in feeding.
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