Relationships with Other Disciplines
Nutritionists work with families and other health care providers in a number of ways. Several examples are described below.
Feeding Teams
A feeding team is one example of a formal (or informal) interdisciplinary team. Feeding teams may be comprised of members who work for the same institution or may be made up of people for a number of organizations.
Educational System
Nutritionists can also work with parents and teachers to incorporate nutritional needs and goals into a child's educational plan.
Federal law makes all children in public schools eligible to receive school meals. If a modified meal is necessary, the nutritionist and physician can help families to request the modification using an IEP (Individualized Education Plan), IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan), or 504 Accommodation Plan. The Diet Prescription for Meals at School is one tool to help with this process. Examples of modified meals include high calorie, low calorie, diabetic, soft, and documented food allergy.
If a child receives special education services, nutrition and feeding goals can also be incorporated into a child's IFSP/IEP. For instance:
- progress in oral motor of self-feeding skills
- supporting improved growth, weight gain, or weight loss
- management of eating/mealtime behaviors (e.g., encouraging more food variety for a child with ASD)
Screening
Nutritionists can screen for and make referrals related to other health risks, including:
- delays in feeding skills or eating patterns (referral to an Occupational Therapist or Speech-Language Pathologist)
- problem feeding behaviors and interactions (referral to psychologist, social worker, or nurse)
- oral health problems (referral to dentist or dental hygienist
Center on Human Development and Disability,
Clinical Training Unit, University of Washington,
Box 357920, Seattle, WA 98195-7920 lend@u.washington.edu