Welcome to Cerebral Palsy:
Simple Notes on a Complex Problem

Feeding Issues

Many children with disabilities have difficulty with eating and drinking. These difficulties may be due to poor posture or head control and limited movement of the tongue, lips or jaw. Feeding problems should be addressed as soon as possible. A team approach is more effective and usually consists of parents, teacher, speech and language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist and nutritionist and doctor. In order to improve feeding, the team should evaluate and modify positioning; provide adapted feeding utensils, appropriate cups and establish manageable food textures. The daily experience of feeding your child is therapeutic. It is an opportunity to explore various smells, tastes and textures with your child. Adaptive equipment can be bought from specialized companies or your local pharmacy. Consult with the appropriate professional for recommendations for your child.

Problems in Feeding and Common Sense Solutions

Poor Positioning

Positioning of the child can be a key factor in the success of feeding. A child with weak head or trunk muscles will need to be supported in a specialized chair for optimal feeding success. Frequent repositioning is often needed during each mealtime.
Be aware that it is very difficult to swallow if head is tilted back. A head rest or side support may help.

Oral Motor Dysfunction

Poor lip closure, poor jaw control or tongue thrust can affect your child's ability to chew, drink, and swallow. Drooling is a symptom of poor oral motor skills. Suggestions to improve oral motor skills and tongue protrusion include:

• ween from bottle if over one-year (with some exceptions)
• drink single sips from a cup
• facial massage, tapping, patting of cheeks
• lemon swabs
• blowing bubbles and whistles (if possible)

For more information on dysphagia, visit the Dysphagia Resource Center.