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Early Childhood Intervention
This website is a place for families who are facing
challenges pertaining to their child's development and
growth.
It is a place to find answers and practical
suggestions. That's what Early Intervention Support is all
about.
Whether a family has a child with a challenging behavior,
a disability or developmental issue, childhood is short - it
should be savored and enjoyed.
Learn More:
Ask a Therapist
We understand developmental milestones and the challenges
of Special Needs children. We spend a great deal of time
with families understanding the inner workings of childhood
routines and interactions. Ask us about your child today!
Ask a Therapist
Nutrition Services in Early Intervention
What are nutrition services in Early Intervention?
Nutrition services assess the nutritional needs of the
child and correct for any nutritional deficiencies.
Nutrition services are provided by a registered dietitian.
Services include the assessment of:
- Nutritional history, current dietary intake and
nutrient needs
- Anthropometrical (measurement of height & weight),
biochemical (ie. Metabolism) and other clinical variables
- Feeding skills and feeding problems
- Food habits and food preferences
Nutritional Services also include:
- Developing and monitoring appropriate feeding plans to
address nutritional needs based on assessment results
- Referring to appropriate medical specialists and community
resources to carry out nutrition goals
Why are Early Intervention Nutrition Services So
Critical?
- A well fed brain and body are critical for optimal
success. Without appropriate and adequate fuel the child's
brain and body are unable to make the rapid changes
necessary in early childhood.
- Children with even mild malnutrition have weakened immune
systems. This sets them up for additional insult from a
whole host of opportunistic infections further weakening the
child and increasing the demand for nutrients.
- Children with underlying nutritional compromise are less
likely to get the full benefit from therapy.
Typical Reasons to Request Nutrition Services in
Early Intervention
- Poor intake in quality or quantity
- Poor or excessive growth
- Restricted diet due to medical diagnosis or
allergies/intolerances (ie. Renal diet, cardiac diet, gluten
free casein free diet, peanut, egg or shellfish allergies)
- Feeding concerns
- Supplementation being used or considered (calorie & single
nutrient supplements)
- Tube feeding or TPN management (total parenteral
nutrition)
- GI concerns such as chronic constipation, diarrhea or acid
reflux
- Clinical diagnoses associated with
feeding/nutrition/growth concerns (kidney disease, cystic
fibrosis, autism, etc).
Services the Early Intervention Registered Dietitian Will
Provide
- Measure and monitor growth-height and weight
- Access current intake
- Calculate current needs
- Assure nutrient needs are being met
- Address any GI concerns through diet and appropriate
supplements
- Advocate for any additional testing
- Advocate for more aggressive nutrition therapy when
necessary
- Manage tube feeding or TPN
- Work with family to eliminate feeding concerns
- Link family with a number of community resources for food,
supplements, and educational opportunities
Two supplements that are almost universally recommended
for optimal health are Probiotics and Multivitamins. Consult
your child's doctor or dietitian for recommendations.
Remember that every child can benefit from the services of a
dietitian. If your instinct says your child could use the
service, make the request!
Parenting Tips in Other Areas IncludeLearn More About Early InterventionTherapy OptionsThankfully, there are many ways to deal with childhood developmental
delays and behaviors. These include in-home services, outpatient (you take
your child to a clinic), inpatient (following injury or surgery) and school
based services. Which type of therapy should you choose? Visit our Therapy Options
area to learn more. Return to Top
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