found in Down Syndrome, Prader
Willi syndrome and spina bifida.
These children struggle greatly as
they remain hungry all the time.
Weight gain and weight maintenance
become daily struggles for parents and
caregivers.
Lastly, medications are known to
influence weight, increase appetite and
affect vitamin and mineral absorption.
Prednisone, prescribed for allergic
disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative
colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis,
or breathing disorders, is known to
increase protein requirements and
cause an increase in appetite, while
Risperdal, used to treat Autism
and also as an anti-depressant, also
increases appetite, and some types of
seizure medications affect calcium,
vitamin D and folate metabolism.
Special consideration must be taken
for children on such medications for
extended periods as weight gain can
easily get out of control very quickly.
When determining the nutritional
needs for a child with special needs it
is important to take into account all
the issues, including: the underlying
disease/syndrome, specific energy
requirements and activity levels,
physical or mechanical issues and
behavioural issues. Consulting with a
health care professional and a dietitian
will help make sure your child is
getting all that they need to grow
and develop, while managing any
symptoms and overcoming specific
challenges.
Tips for parents on how to control
kids’ weight gain
1. Start early
– It is easier to prevent
unhealthy weight gain than to lose
unwanted weight and break unhealthy
eating habits.
2. Tough love
– Parents decide what
and when to eat, children can decide
whether they will eat.
3. Know your portion sizes
–
Learn what the proper portion size is
for your child and stick to it as portion
sizes are typically way too large. An
easy guide is: a fist full of starches and
a palm size of meat (child’s hands,
not parent’s). Load up on fruits and
veggies.
4. Start with vegetables
– For
kids that are big eaters make a habit
of having cut vegetables on the table
before meals. A hungry kid is a lot less
picky.
5. Finish with vegetables and
fruit
– If your child is still truly
hungry after a meal they will eat
them.
6. Get kids involved
– Let them
help with meal planning, grocery
shopping and preparing their lunches
and snacks. They will be more likely
to follow a diet plan if they are part of
the planning.
7. Mindful eating
– So many kids
eat in front of the TV or computer or
are otherwise distracted. When kids
(and adults) don’t pay attention to what
they are eating they are more likely to
overeat. Meals should be at the table
with no distractions.
8. Change as a family
– Set clear
limits on treats, candy, snacking,
exercise and screen time for everyone
– including siblings and parents. Be a
good role model.
9. Allow occasional treats
– Kids
need to learn that all foods fit into a
healthy balanced diet. Allow them to
have treats and discuss with them that
these are OK every once in a while.
10. Offer variety
– Even if you don’t
think your child will eat it. Make
sure they have choice and “scary”
foods should be seen regularly. If
they get used to seeing it, they will be
more likely to try it. However, do not
become a short order cook. Make a
meal plan and stick to it.
11. Keep junk out of the house
–
Save sodas, juices, high-fat snack foods
for special occasions out of the house.
12. No juice or grazing between
meals
– This is the number one
reason why kids become picky. Only
offer water between scheduled snacks
and meals.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO OBESITY IN THE SPECIAL
NEEDS CHILD
1. Genetics – some diseases have underlying issues that cause
weight gain.
2. Behavioural issues – textural, auditory and other sensory issues
leading to food selection/rejection.
3. Barriers to exercise – the need for specialised equipment, poor
coordination and mobility, and physical, sensory and cognitive
deficits can prevent a child from being active.
4. Medications – 75% of special needs children are on
medication, some of which can cause weight gain.
5. Mechanical/physical issues – chewing or swallowing difficulties,
digestive issues and food intolerance are all more common in
special needs children.
March 2016
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