Nutrition Interventions for Children with Special Health Care Needs

Section 1 - Determination of Nutrition Status
a strengthening and conditioning program for him that would meet the Surgeon
General’s recommendation for physical activity a minimum of 60 minutes, most days
of the week (20).
Screening Guidelines
Children and adolescents with special health care needs vary in their ability to
participate in physical activities. Individual screening or assessment should be
conducted by appropriate health care professionals, including the nutritionist,
before a child begins a program of physical activity. To help the family select
appropriate and beneficial physical activities, health care providers need to consider
the individual’s health status, interests, cognitive skills, and available community
resources. Most importantly, working with the family to identify their specific physical
activity goals for their child and their current physical activities as a family will help
tailor recommendations.
Tables 3.1 and 3.2 provide guidelines for screening of children with special health
care needs and appropriate interventions to promote physical activity.
Nutrition Interventions for Children With Special Health Care Needs 45