Office management of the young child with cerebral palsy and difficulty in growing

All infants and young children need adequate caloric intake for optimal growth and development. This is true for children with cerebral palsy, who are at increased risk for nutritional problems. When appropriate weight gain is difficult to attain, professionals must carefully evaluate the child's diet, feeding skills, and neurodevelopmental function; assess parenting behaviors; and look for complications of the child's cerebral palsy that could further impede intake and retention of calories. A number of therapeutic recommendations can be given to families to improve potential weight gain. The opportunity to influence the overall growth of young children with cerebral palsy begins when early and timely interventions are provided to the family.