How to Improve Feeding Issue in Kids with Cerebral Palsy
To explore the details about how parents can improve the feeding issues usually associated in kids with cerebral palsy, some important aspects related to this condition must be understood first. It is common for children with cerebral palsy to have problems when eating or drinking by themselves. These problems may range from having minor difficulties in coordinating oral movements that result in slow eating or excessive spillage to acute muscle coordination problems with regards to the swallowing mechanism that may result to health problems later on. For children with cerebral palsy, mealtimes may often take fifteen minutes or longer and even with this stretched meal time, children with this condition may still not receive the proper nourishment required of their age.
Self feeding often begins as early as nine months from birth and instinctively, infants will automatically brings anything their hands can hold to their mouths. As time progresses, this instinctive action develop into a skill that allows babies to feed themselves every time their hands reach something. As children grow old, they are able to turn this automatic reaction into a more sophisticated action. But some children with cerebral palsy often miss this early learning development. But they can be improved enormously if parents learn how to compensate for their condition by teaching them to feed themselves when the child reaches the appropriate age.
Children with cerebral palsy will not be able to teach themselves how to eat without spilling. In order for parents to develop their children’s ability to feed them, they may need to consult different professionals that can help resolve these feeding issues. For example, a good physiotherapist can focus on training the child on the best position for feeding while a dietician can recommend the nutritious food that will be appropriate for the child’s age and condition. A language therapist on the other hand can also provide professional advice on the best way to encourage a proper chewing pattern, mouth closure, and resolve drooling issues common to children with cerebral palsy. An occupational therapist can also provide advice on the appropriate seating position and feeding equipment to be used in order for the children with cerebral palsy to receive effective training that will allow them to become independent in feeding themselves.
It is also important to discuss digestive problems with a medical professional. Sometimes, a child may refuse to eat simply because there is something wrong with them caused by their digestive system. Some children with cerebral palsy are not able to communicate properly and only a medical professional can understand what really causes the feeding issues. It is also important to develop a feeding routine that will familiarize the child with this basic necessity.
Without proper nutrition, a child with cerebral palsy can develop a number of different complications that can put his or her health at risk. With the help of professionals, parents will be able to understand why their child is hard to feed or find out the solutions that can help resolve several feeding issues associated with children with cerebral palsy.
Origins of Cerebral Palsy is the comprehensive source for information on causes and treatment of Cerebral Palsy
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