Ask any parent to list the most difficult things about raising young children and they will tell you that mealtime problems are top of their list. Some children are accustomed to chicken nuggets while others prefer plain pasta or string cheese. Parents face daily challenges to ensure their children are getting the right nutrition. Parents of children with developmental disabilities face a greater challenge. The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics indicates that more than 11 percent of children aged 0-17 have special needs for health care. These children have to take care of their health in order to continue reaching milestones in their growth.
Children with special needs are at risk of losing their parents or guardians if they don’t have the ability to encourage healthy eating habits. A study by the University of Connecticut found that children with developmental disabilities are at risk of malnutrition. This includes both under- and over-nourishment. A poor diet can impact the ability of people to interact with one another, their self-care abilities, as well as their overall health and life expectancy. A healthy diet and adequate vitamins and minerals are important steps in helping children reach their highest potential.
Special needs children face nutritional challenges
Three major issues concern nutrition for children with special nutritional needs. First, muscle control. Many children lack basic skills required to eat. Children must be able sit up, eat, manage their food, chew and swallow it, and have functioning digestive tracts. High-level skills are required to manage the interplay of tongue, jaw, lips and mouth muscles. Some children with developmental disabilities lack these skills.
A child’s sensory processing is the second area to be concerned. Many children with developmental issues, such as those with autism, have difficulty with textures, smells, or other sensory encounters. Children will often avoid strong flavors. Children may be more inclined to avoid foods with strong flavors.
Children with developmental disabilities may have more difficulty communicating and eating. Emory University has shown that ASD children have five times more chance of having difficulty eating. These problems include excessive food preferences, outbursts, rigid habits, and strict rules that must be observed. Families that struggle to manage mealtimes also have trouble ensuring their children receive adequate nutrition.
What Guardians Can Do
Children with developmental disabilities may have more difficulty controlling their muscles, sensory processes, or communication. Parents and caregivers must be more vigilant about helping them get the nutrition they require. Poor nutrition can lead to long-lasting damage. Parents must stop it. Children who have difficulty eating often lack calcium and protein. Calcium is vital for strong bones, while protein promotes growth, mental acuity and overall health. It can seem impossible to ensure that your child gets enough nutrition. However, this is not always possible. You can read more about My Spectrum Heroes.
Parents need to plan for their children’s nutritional needs and ensure they are on the right path to well-being. This can be done by setting up a routine for meals, planning for fussy eaters and creating a mealtime schedule.
Success is more likely when you can anticipate the fussy factor. Knowledge is power. Children with sensory issues are less likely to enjoy trying new foods, especially if they have sensory problems. You can go grocery shopping together with your child, and let him/her choose new foods. This will engage and excite them. To find appealing recipes, you could search the internet together for food ideas. This spark of curiosity can ignite their desire to try new foods.
Secondly, consider a special diet. Parents of autistic children often say that gluten-free or casein-free diets can help their symptoms. However, scientific research is still ongoing. However, experts worry that removing milk and wheat products could also result in the loss of valuable nutrients for the children. Supplements can often bridge the gap and provide the children with the nutrients they require. The powdered and liquid forms of supplements are beneficial as they avoid the problem with textures that can turn children away from other foods. They can be used in smoothies and other foods that children love, and are easier to swallow. Brain development is influenced by the nutritional support that all children require. Supplements are great for children who can’t get it otherwise.
Conclusion
It doesn’t matter if a child has developmental delay or not, it is important to establish a meal routine. Children on the spectrum will enjoy a better experience if they are able to sit in the same place every day.
Parents can make mealtimes more fun and provide the children with the health benefits they need by getting them involved in food selection and considering alternate diets.
