• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.139-151
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the eating patterns of children with cerebral palsy having motor disturbances as well as stiffness. The food habits, nutritional status, and snack intakes of 1 to 7 year-old children with cerebral palsy were examined. The subjects were grouped into three categories according to their table-utensil handling skills: superior, normal, and inferior. The children in the superior group were significantly taller and heavier compared to children in the other two groups. The %EARs of folic acid and total calorie intake were insufficient in all three groups; however, their %EARs of other nutrients were fully sufficient. When comparing the children's intake frequencies and preferences for snacks, the superior group showed a greater likelihood to consume various kinds of snacks than the inferior group. And the inferior group disliked more kinds of snacks than the other two groups. It was also shown that the inferior group had a significantly higher tendency for problems in chewing and swallowing. These results indicate that the development of table utensil-handling skills is very important for the food intake and growth of children with cerebral palsy, and the better their table utensil-handling skills the greater their physical development. Thus, considering their preference and intake frequency, it seems necessary that children in the inferior group be provided a greater variety of snacks and foods to receive more calories.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.44-56
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• 2012

This study investigated dietary behavior and nutrient intake in children with developmental disorders as compared with non-disabled children and assessed the relationship between dietary behavior and nutrient intake. The survey was conducted on 118 students ($4^{th}$ and $5^{th}$ grade) of four special education schools and 244 students of an elementary school (control group). The survey was carried out using a questionnaire and an interview. Of the disabled children, children with a mental disorder comprised 72.9% and those with emotional disorders including autism comprised 26.3%. The average percentages of height and weight to standards for age were significantly lower in the disabled female children as compared with the non-disabled female children. Scores for table utensil handling skills, eating behavior, and an unbalanced diet were lower in the disabled children compared with those in the non-disabled children. Dietary behavior scores were not significantly different by either gender or age in the disabled children. Mean energy intake was less than the estimated energy requirement in both groups. Nutrients taken at less than the recommended intake level were calcium, iron, vitamin A, and folate in both groups. Food behavior score at mealtime, personal hygiene score at mealtime, and an unbalanced diet score were significantly correlated with iron and vitamin A intake in disabled male children. Personal hygiene score at mealtime was significantly correlated with calcium, iron, and vitamin A intake, and unbalanced diet score was significantly correlated with iron and vitamin A intake in disabled female children. Although the nutritional status of disabled children with developmental disorders was appropriate in general, improvement in their dietary behaviors through education and practice would allow them to eat balanced diets with essential nutrients.