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Feeding Problems and Assessment in Individuals with Intellectual Disability

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Handbook of Dual Diagnosis

Part of the book series: Autism and Child Psychopathology Series ((ACPS))

Abstract

Mealtime and feeding problems co-occur in individuals of any age diagnosed with intellectual disability (ID). Many variables may contribute to the emergence, presence, and maintenance of problems related to eating in this patient population including environmental contingencies, medical complexities, adaptive deficits, and neurological conditions. Whatever the reason(s), providing appropriate supports and treatments to improve the individual's nutritional intake is a top priority for fostering growth, cognitive development and learning, and appropriate life span. This present chapter provides a brief introduction and overview of the presence and factors surrounding feeding problems in individuals with ID. Guidelines are provided to assist the clinician in the assessment of behavioral, medical, and physiological factors related to feeding difficulties. Finally, the importance of an interdisciplinary team and collaborative care is discussed as an optimal solution to achieve better outcomes for the individual.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA

    Meg Stone-Heaberlin

  2. Children’s Resource Group, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    Anna Merrill

  3. Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    Jill C. Fodstad

  4. Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    Jill C. Fodstad

Authors
  1. Meg Stone-Heaberlin
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  2. Anna Merrill
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  3. Jill C. Fodstad
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Meg Stone-Heaberlin .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

    Johnny L. Matson

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Stone-Heaberlin, M., Merrill, A., Fodstad, J.C. (2020). Feeding Problems and Assessment in Individuals with Intellectual Disability. In: Matson, J. (eds) Handbook of Dual Diagnosis. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46835-4_22

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