An Algorithmic Approach to Nutritional Difficulties in People With Developmental Disabilities

Authors

Suma Chennubhotla, Suma Chennubhotla and Rebecca Hertog, University of Louisville; John E. Williams, University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Department of Developmental Pediatrics; Debra Hanna, Memphis, TN; and Thomas L. Abell, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville.
Rebecca Hertog, Suma Chennubhotla and Rebecca Hertog, University of Louisville; John E. Williams, University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Department of Developmental Pediatrics; Debra Hanna, Memphis, TN; and Thomas L. Abell, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville.
John E. Williams, Suma Chennubhotla and Rebecca Hertog, University of Louisville; John E. Williams, University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Department of Developmental Pediatrics; Debra Hanna, Memphis, TN; and Thomas L. Abell, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville.
Debra Hanna, Suma Chennubhotla and Rebecca Hertog, University of Louisville; John E. Williams, University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Department of Developmental Pediatrics; Debra Hanna, Memphis, TN; and Thomas L. Abell, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville.Follow
Thomas L. Abell, Suma Chennubhotla and Rebecca Hertog, University of Louisville; John E. Williams, University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Department of Developmental Pediatrics; Debra Hanna, Memphis, TN; and Thomas L. Abell, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville.

Abstract

With the increasing survival rate of people with developmental disabilities into adulthood and later life, nutritional support and feeding of these individuals frequently becomes a critical problem which must be addressed by their caregivers and healthcare providers. Problems surrounding mealtimes include difficulty with the mechanisms of feeding as well as medical complications including aspiration and gastrointestinal dysmotility. No comprehensive guidelines exist to aid caregivers and healthcare providers regarding the issues in feeding and nutrition in this population. We offer an algorithmic approach to the nutrition-related problems of aspiration, laborious meals and mealtime refusal, choosing the best route for tube feeding, and when to return patients with developmental disabilities back to oral feeding.

Publication Title

Intellectual and developmental disabilities

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