They don’t want to “fight” over food
and food choices as they struggle with
other more “important” behaviours.
Parents often use foods and sweets
as rewards or as a calming agent.
While this is understandable, it is
important that parents know they
aren’t necessarily doing their children
any favours by approaching food in
this way, and they can contribute to a
worsening in the behaviour and even a
higher risk of obesity.
While it is common to think that
a child who is overweight has “too
much nutrition” many such children
have micronutrient deficiencies.
These deficiencies may impede their
development and cause deterioration
of secondary problems arising from
the underlying disability. A proper,
well balanced diet can actually
improve many symptoms in special
needs children, such as concentration,
mood swings, fatigue and anxiety.
Challenges to finding the balance
So, how many calories a day does
your child need? What about protein,
fat, vitamins and minerals? The
nutritional requirements for special
needs children differ according to
their underlying disability and from
child to child. Start with considering
the child’s age and size. To prevent
obesity it is important to determine
calorie requirements. While some
children require a similar amount
of calories as their peers, many
require fewer calories due to varying
degrees of physical activity levels,
lower metabolic rate and lower level
of cognitive function. These children
are more prone to weight gain as their
intake requirements are much less,
however they often have micronutrient
deficiencies due to lower total volume
of food. Ensuring adequate intake
of vitamins and minerals is essential
for growth, development and overall
health.
Digestive issues are very common
in special needs children. Many have
food intolerances, allergies, gassiness,
diarrhoea or constipation. Any of
these factors can influence a child’s
requirements and may alter food
choices. Ensuring adequate fibre
intake helps with bowel regulation,
improved digestion and improves good
bacteria in your colon. Children who
want to stick to safe and plain foods
like white rice and white breads have a
very limited diet. They tend to overeat
on certain foods, especially starchy
foods, increasing their risk of obesity
and micronutrient deficiency.
Some children have problems with
the simple act of eating. The ability
to chew and swallow may be difficult
for those with physical, mechanical or
coordination problems and a diet of
softer foods is needed. A large number
of soft foods are high in calories,
however, while nutritious foods like
fruits, vegetables and meats tend to be
more difficult to eat. It is important to
find ways for these children to get the
balanced nutrition they need through
soft foods. Items like low-sugar
yogurts, soft cheese, pureed fruits
and steamed vegetables are all good
options.
Genetic issues must also be
considered as some disorders mean a
child has a predisposition to overeat
due to the damage done on the weight
regulation part of their brain, as
All children
need a
balanced diet
that includes
non-processed
starches,
lean proteins
and plenty
of fruits and
vegetables. A
simple rule is to
make ¼ of the
plate starch,
¼ proteins
or meat and
half the plate
vegetables/
fruit.
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