Feeding and Nutrition in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disability

This book is written to assist those who have responsibility for the nutritional and gastrointestinal care of children with neurodisability.

The emphasis throughout is on the importance of multidisciplinary care. It is concerned with the problems surrounding the nutritional management of children with neurological impairment who have difficulty swallowing and feeding.

Written from a multidisciplinary perspective by a group of authors with considerable clinical and research experience in this area, it covers: the epidemiology of feeding disorders in children with cerebral palsy; nutritional assessment;  evaluation of oral-motor function; dietetic management; nursing issues in the nutritional care of the disabled child; tube feeding; gastrointestinal problems and their investigation.

List of Contributors vii

Foreword by Martin Bax ix

Preface xi

Introduction 1

Peter B Sullivan

1. Feeding and Nutrition in Neurodevelopmental Disability: An overview 8

Peter B Sullivan

2. Nutrition and Growth: Assessment and monitoring 21

Laura Stewart and Natalie A McKaig

3. Oral Motor Impairment and Swallowing Dysfunction: Assessment and

management 35

Sue Strudwick

4. Feeding and Dietetic Assessment and Management 57

Bridget R Lambert and Wee Meng Han

5. The Multidisciplinary Team and the Practicalities of Nursing Care 86

Angharad Vernon-Roberts

6. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Assessment and management 106

Peter B Sullivan

7. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Special investigations 118

Astor Rodrigues

Appendix 1: Cerebral Palsy Growth Charts 133

Appendix 2: Useful Contacts and Websites 165

Appendix 3: Nasogastric and Gastrostomy Tube Care Guidelines 166

Appendix 4: Incorporating Nutrient-Dense Foods into the Diet of Children

with Feeding Problems 170

Appendix 5: Formula and Supplement Information 172

Appendix 6: Form for Feeding and Dietary Assessment 182

Index 189