Development of the Nutrition and Swallowing Checklist, a screening tool for nutrition risk and swallowing risk in people with intellectual disability

Understanding mealtime changes for adults with cerebral palsy and the implications for support services

“…More than half of the participants (n ¼ 17) experienced reflux and gastrointestinal problems (e.g., constipation and diarrhoea), saliva control difficulties, and weight management problems. These results support previous research findings that gastro-oesophageal and gastrointestinal disorders are prevalent for adults with dysphagia and lifelong disability (Kaatzke-McDonald, 2003;Sheppard, 2006;Stewart, 2003;von Kö nigsmark, 2000). Tim (35 years) illustrated how changes in his eating have resulted in several problems that may require intervention from more than one health professional: ''I used to be able to eat a lot faster, but now I've found out I've got reflux.…”

“…This, along with risk of aspirating or choking on food, can result in difficulty with obtaining adequate nutrition and hydration (Stewart, 2003). Furthermore, people with dysphagia and lifelong disability, including cerebral palsy, are at risk of nutrition-related health problems in addition to other problems with health, safety, and well-being (Kaatzke-McDonald, 2003;Stewart, 2003;von Kö nigsmark, 2000). Health problems experienced by people with cerebral palsy may be complicated by dysphagia and impact adversely on quality of life (Talley & Wiklund, 2005).…”

Physical Education Teacher Candidates' Beliefs About Instructing Students With Disabilities in Adapted Aquatics

“…This might cause children with disabilities to be at a higher risk of aspiration of liquids (including saliva or stomach contents) into their lungs, which could result in lung infections such as pneumonia (Stewart, 2003). The teacher candidates felt that it was important that they become knowledgeable about these issues.…”

“…The teacher candidates felt that it was important that they become knowledgeable about these issues. The teacher candidates believed they should be trained to recognize the signs of dysphagia, which includes coughing, gagging, or throat clearing (Stewart, 2003). This occurred when their students swallowed water accidentally while participating in the adapted aquatic program.…”

People with an intellectual disability in the discourse of chronic and complex conditions: an invisible group?

“…13 Targets for health interventions address: dental health, as many people with intellectual disabilities lack understanding of treatment regimes; 17 sensory impairments requiring regular monitoring as early as possible; 18 nutrition, which is often linked to swallowing difficulties, subsequent weight loss or obesity. 19 Constipation is a sadly neglected issue, with overuse of aperients and a lack of awareness of bowel movements; 20 epilepsy has been found to occur in 20% of people with an intellectual disability; 21 and there is a higher risk of hypothyroidism in people who have Down syndrome, 22 and osteoporosis due vitamin D deficiency. 23 Further targets are associated with: gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and Helicobacter pylori infection; 24 regular medication and immunisation status reviews; 13 physical activity and exercise; 25 comprehensive physical assessments; 26 regular reviews by a clinical geneticist; 27 and women' s health.…”