feeding difficulties

Purpose: Many children with complex needs exhibit eating, drinking, and/or swallowing disorders (dysphagia). These children often have associated learning needs, and require assistance from carers for daily tasks such as eating and drinking. The aim of this study was to identify which strategies to manage dysphagia were challenging for family carers, and reasons for any non-adherence. Method: In this service evaluation researchers observed carers during mealtimes, and investigated carer opinions of strategies used to minimise the risks of dysphagia.

Background: The nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy (CP) is an issue where nurses have a major responsibility towards children and their parents.

Objectives: To assess the weight, height and body mass index of children with CP; To identify the caregivers’ perception of the nutritional status of their child with CP; To identify the caregivers’ difficulties in feeding their child; To identify the association between family functionality and the child’s weight.