Supporting healthy eating and nutrition through childhood and adolescence
Good nutrition is important for the health, growth and development of children and young people with cerebral palsy (CP).
Some children and young people with CP have difficulties with eating, drinking or swallowing. These difficulties can make it harder to get enough nutrition and fluids and may affect how safely and effectively they eat and drink. Swallowing difficulties can also increase the risk of food, drink or saliva entering the airway or lungs. This is called aspiration and can contribute to chest infections.
Good nutrition can help support:
-
healthy growth and development
-
enough energy for school, activities and everyday life
-
healthy bones and muscles
-
the immune system
-
recovery from illness or surgery
-
general health and wellbeing.
There are many reasons why a child or young person with CP may have difficulty meeting their nutritional needs. These can include:
-
difficulties with chewing or swallowing
-
taking a long time to eat or becoming tired during meals
-
needing help to eat or drink
-
reflux or constipation
-
reduced appetite
-
frequent illness or hospital stays
-
needing food or drinks with a modified texture or consistency
-
difficulties eating at school or when away from home.
A feeding and swallowing assessment can help identify any difficulties and work out what support is needed. Your child’s healthcare team may include a dietitian, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist and other medical or health professionals. They can also monitor growth and nutritional needs as your child gets older.
Depending on your child or young person’s needs, support may include:
-
changes to mealtime routines or positioning
-
making sure their diet provides enough energy, nutrients and fluids
-
changing the texture of food or thickness of drinks, if recommended after assessment
-
managing reflux, constipation or other digestive problems
-
nutritional supplements, if needed
-
specialised feeding equipment
-
support for eating and drinking at school or during social activities
-
tube feeding, if needed.
As children and young people grow, their nutritional needs can change. Puberty, growth, changes in activity, medication, health conditions and increasing independence may all affect eating and nutrition. Regular review can help make sure their support continues to meet their needs and goals.
If you are concerned about your child or young person’s nutrition, growth, eating, drinking or swallowing, talk to their GP, paediatrician or healthcare team.