A child with a special need or a special child, is someone who has a physical, mental, physiological or developmental disorder and because of this, has certain needs which are different from his peers. These needs are termed `special' as they are essential to make the child lead a normal life e.g. A child born with a dysfunctional heart may have special medical needs through his life, which another child of the same age may not. Similarly, a child with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) has a special need for a school environment which caters to his particular challenge.
The above two examples are just a glimpse of what a `special need' can be. Special needs is a vast field and includes conditions like Autism, Downs syndrome, mental retardation, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, deafness, visual impairments.
How does nutrition help a child with a special need?
A diet will not help cure a special need, but diet counselling by a specialist dietitian will help the parents of the special child to (amongst other things):
a) manage feeding, one of the biggest challenges with some special needs children eg children with mental retardation,
b) ensure that the childs diet is suitable for his special need eg children with phenylketonuria need low phenylalanine diets,
c) ensure that the childs special need does not interfere with him getting adequate nutrition eg children with dysphagia are unable to eat enough to meet their nutrition needs,
d) follow diets which alleviate symptoms of some special needs eg ketogenic diets help manage symptoms of drug resistant pediatric epilepsy,
In my own practice, I have helped children with dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) by modifying their diet to overcome this hurdle. Have helped parents of children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) better manage their childs restlessness at meal times, ensuring a more peaceful eating session. Just a few examples!
Until next time, have a restful Sunday!
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