Nutrition and Growth

Nearly one-half of children with cerebral palsy develop a feeding problem. Growth delays, altered energy needs, altered nutrient needs, difficulties with feeding, and constipation are frequently reported nutrition related problems in children with CP. While adequate nutrition is essential for optimal growth and development of children with CP, associated feeding problems can prevent delivery and assimilation of essential nutrients and adequate calories.

Red flags to watch for when feeding a child with cerebral palsy include:

Feedings that take a long time (e.g. 30-45 minutes or longer)
Unusual feeding patterns (e.g. small, frequent feeds with intake less than 1 ounce)
Crying during feeding
Coughing, choking or gagging during or after feeding
Vomiting during or after feeding
Difficulty with the transition to solid foods
Loss of food or liquid through nose
Refusing food (turning head away, pursing lips together, pushing away food, spitting out food or liquids)
Voice or cry sounding wet or gurgly after eating or drinking
Frequent respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis
Lack of interest in food or refusal
Family concerns about food intake

Oral motor dysfunction may result in decreased food intake and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) Also known as acid reflux - is chronic symptoms or damage caused by stomach acid coming up from the stomach into the throat. or other medical conditions may results in malabsorption and/or decreased utilization of nutrients. A variety of obstacles can affect adequate caloric intake in a child with CP. Severe oral-motor impairments may limit the types and textures of food that children can safely ingest, while sensory-motor impairments may limit the types and textures that children will tolerate.

What to do

Child care providers and early educators can help by listening to parents and working with specialist to insure that the child is positioned properly for feeding and that the types of food the child can tolerate are offered. Because GER can lead to a condition known as failure to thrive, keep an eye on the child's weight and growth and report any concerns to the appropriate professionals on the team. Discussion with the parent or caregiver about the child's eating habits can help assess feeding difficulties.

It is also important to realize that other impairments may prevent a child from getting adequate nutrition. For example, communication impairments may prevent a child from expressing hunger, food likes/dislikes, or desires.