Inside Pediatrics Winter 2017

social worker serves as a liaison for the family to assist with coordination of care, including but not limited to potential lodging, school resources and family medical leave if appropriate. During the day treatment program, not only does the child have four therapeutic meals a day with an occupational therapist or speech and language pathologist, but also the psychologist co-treats throughout the week. The family meets with the team’s registered dietitian to review and discuss nutritional plans, and participates in a nutritional/educational curriculum throughout the program. Families have individual weekly sessions with the psychologist and have the opportunity to meet with the entire treatment team, including a gastroenterologist, in a structured weekly setting to discuss questions, concerns and/or to review progress. A social worker is available to the family throughout the program to ensure their extended needs are met. “Participation in the Intensive Feeding Program is certainly a commitment, hard work and requires significant familial motivation,” Mastin said. “We find, however, that the families that do so tell us the commitment and sacrifice were certainly worth the outcome.” For more information about the Intensive Feeding Program and referral forms for evaluation, visit the www.childrensal.org/intensivefeeding .

Who is a candidate for the Intensive Feeding Program? Typically, children should be at least 12 months old developmentally, chronologically and cognitively. If they have a feeding tube, they should be nutritionally stable. Children often have the following feeding difficulties:

• Total food refusal

• Oral aversion

• Feeding tube dependence

• Reliance on supplement for nutrition • Challenges transitioning to appropriate textures, consistencies or utensils • Recurrent vomiting with eating Common medical conditions experienced by children treated in the program: • Gastric esophageal reflux disease • Restrictive eating patterns

While his parents continue to monitor his eating, Hilyer has made good progress since graduating from the Intensive Feeding Program. “Even today, two years after we graduated from the program, I could call and get help,” said Hilyer’s mother, Bridgit.

• Dysphagia

• Eosinophilic esophagitis

• Gastrointestinal disorders, including dysmotility, constipation and abdominal malformations

• Neurodevelopmental challenges, including genetic disorders • Developmental delays, including autism

• Behavioral challenges

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