Feeding Problems

Feeding a child with Down Syndrome can be a challenge due to a number of reasons. These can range from sensory problems involving the mouth, to low muscle tone that affects the ability to chew and respond to the presence of food in the mouth, to the high incidence of gastric reflux. Parents often feel overwhelmed and wonder who they should turn to for help. This site is written by a registered dietitian and includes tips and techniques for parents on how to make mealtimes more pleasant for the family while ensuring proper nutrition for your child, visit Feeding Underweight Children

For any child that does not eat a varied diet, a quality daily vitamin is extremely important. However, for a child with feeding problems the vitamin usually needs to be a liquid form, which can be difficult to find. For an excellent source of vitamins and supplements at great prices go to e-vitamins.

If your child is still under 3 years old and in an early intervention program, discuss your concerns with your case manager. If your child does not have a speech therapist assigned, request an evaluation and see about having an ST assigned to your child's team. It is crucial to address these problems as early as possible and to take the rights steps in an appropriate intervention plan. Many people, including myself, are surprised that feeding problems are handled by speech therapists. It is part of their training and all Speech therapists have knowledge of feeding issues. However, some go on to specialize just in feeding problems and these people can be crucial if your child encounters any problems with eating, feeding, swallowing or texture.