Abstract
Children with Down syndrome (DS) face distinct nutritional challenges that significantly impact their growth, health, and overall quality of life. These challenges include a high prevalence of obesity, gastrointestinal issues, increased risk of oral motor difficulties, and eating disorders such as pica and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Contributing conditions include unique low muscle tone, reduced physical activity, and metabolic differences, further compounded by environmental influences such as parental feeding practices and limited access to specialized care. The purpose of this experiment is to explore the nutritional challenges and eating disorders faced by children with DS and examine how early interventions can support healthy eating habits and improve long-term outcomes. It was hypothesized that if an emphasis on early interventions related to nutrition was present, then the reduction in nutritional stigma and stress related to eating and food for children with DS was more likely. A comprehensive literature review extrapolated keywords and reoccurring themes from various primary and secondary sources. The hypothesis was supported, as findings indicated that early interventions—such as food safety training and dietary education—prevented the onset of early potential health comorbidities. However, further research is needed to assess the long-term implications of these interventions. Currently, an educational training program based on the findings of this paper is being implemented in non-profit organizations, aiming to enhance the support network for families managing nutritional challenges in children with DS.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Tonni Bacoat-Jones
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-2-2025 12:45 PM
End Date
4-3-2025 12:00 AM
Nutritional Challenges in Children with Down Syndrome and the Use of Early Interventions
Alvin Sherman Library
Children with Down syndrome (DS) face distinct nutritional challenges that significantly impact their growth, health, and overall quality of life. These challenges include a high prevalence of obesity, gastrointestinal issues, increased risk of oral motor difficulties, and eating disorders such as pica and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Contributing conditions include unique low muscle tone, reduced physical activity, and metabolic differences, further compounded by environmental influences such as parental feeding practices and limited access to specialized care. The purpose of this experiment is to explore the nutritional challenges and eating disorders faced by children with DS and examine how early interventions can support healthy eating habits and improve long-term outcomes. It was hypothesized that if an emphasis on early interventions related to nutrition was present, then the reduction in nutritional stigma and stress related to eating and food for children with DS was more likely. A comprehensive literature review extrapolated keywords and reoccurring themes from various primary and secondary sources. The hypothesis was supported, as findings indicated that early interventions—such as food safety training and dietary education—prevented the onset of early potential health comorbidities. However, further research is needed to assess the long-term implications of these interventions. Currently, an educational training program based on the findings of this paper is being implemented in non-profit organizations, aiming to enhance the support network for families managing nutritional challenges in children with DS.
Comments
TED-Style Talk