Nutrition Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs

Children with special health care needs are vulnerable to nutrition-related problems.  They require early nutrition screening. Several nutrition-related problems are of concern for children with special health care needs.  Common nutrition problems include:

• Alterations in growth: (i.e. failure to thrive, poor growth, poor weight gain, overweight, obesity)
• Alterations in digestion, absorption, metabolism and excretion: (i.e. chronic constipation, diarrhea, loose stools, malabsorption)
• Drug/nutrient interactions: (i.e. interference with growth, food intake, nutrient absorption and utilization)
• Dental problems: (i.e. cavities, bruxism, malocclusion, gum hyperplasia)
• Specific nutrient abnormalities: (i.e. certain medical conditions warrant taking a single-nutrient supplement or a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement)
• Feeding problems: (i.e. inability or refusal to eat certain foods due to neuromotor dysfunction, structural defects and psychosocial factors)
• Caregiver-related problems and/or concerns: (i.e. feeding experience is stressful, frustrating and feelings of inadequacy)

When nutrition-related problems are identified, the child should be referred to a qualified Registered Dietitian (RD) to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). To find a qualified RD in your area, please refer to or contact one of the following:  

• Directory of Dietitians Serving Children with Special Health Care Needs" (PDF, 316KB) . 
• Contact the Wisconsin Dietetic Association at (888) 232-8631 or the American Dietetic Association at (800) 366-1655.
• Contact your local WIC Program.

Last Revised: March 21, 2007