Special children have special diet requirements hence, it is very important for the parents to know about proper diet for the children. Moxshlife foundation a thane based NGO conducted a programme at St. John the Baptist school where in registered dietician Ashwini Kanade shared tips and detailed information with the parents of St. John the Baptist special School.
According to sourecs, approximately 3% of children born in India are children with special needs and studies have shown that such children are more underweight, have difficulty in chewing and swallowing, and have significantly lower intake of most nutrients than normal children.
Feeding proper and balanced diet to children is a task for the parents hence, the NGO organized the programme. The interactive programme made the parents understand the right type and quantities of food that the children should consume to get adequate nutrition from balanced food.
Speaking to the parents the dietician explained "special kids need special care and that there food requirement is also very different as they are under medication as well hence, it is important to experiment with and introduce new food like amaranth grain (Rajgira), corn, flax, Sorghum, millet, quinoa (Nachni) and many more as these are very healthy and fulfill nutritional requirement. She also adds that bean seeds, nuts can also be given in natural and unprocessed form."
The worried parents asked several questions regarding constipation and children being over weight answering to which Ashwini replied that fiber rich food should be given to kids which would take care of both the problems.
The parents of autistic children asked question about giving sugar and its immediate effect on kids, Ashwini answered the sugar makes these kids hyperactive hence, it should be given in controlled amount and children must not be given aerated drinks and that fresh juices should also be given in very less quantity.
"Children are driven to eat things with different size, shape, colour, texture and aroma so, the parent should take special care of not giving something with strong aroma like garlic or ginger, as the kids tend to like bland food. Adding more words of caution the dietician adds fix routine for breakfast, lunch and dinner should be followed and that take a child for a 10 minutes walk after food, this would help in proper digestion, absorption and would take care of overall health of the kid."
Congestion on plate and mixing too many colours can at times be risky hence, be sweet and simple while serving. Increase use of green fruits, folate and vegetables and try not to serve single food for many days. Rotate different food and also encourage kids to chewing and swallowing.
Ashwni said the change cannot happen in days or month but may take an year hence, don't rush and start things easily. Sharing few more handy tips she adds involve your child while preparing food, minimize distraction, avoid negative behaviour, reward positive behaviour and avoid all day eating. Most importantly every child is different hence, take things accordingly, know your child well and introduce ne things slowly so, that they can accept over a period of time rather than giving immediate reaction because change happens slowly.
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