A Comparative Look at Feeding Difficulties and Caregiver Approaches in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Background Investigation of sensory and motor feeding problems and caregivers' mealtime behaviors in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is important regarding feeding disorders. This study aimed to examine feeding problems and caregivers' mealtime behaviours in children with CP and compare them with those of typically developing (TD) children. Method 190 children (90 = CP; 100 = TD) and their caregivers participated in the study. The Screening Tool for Eating Problems (STEP) and the Parent Mealtime Action Scale (PMAS) were administered to the primary caregivers of children. Children with CP were also assessed using MACS and GMFCS. Results There is a significant difference between risk of aspiration, food selectivity, nutrition behavior, feeding skills deficits according to GMFCS levels and risk of aspiration, food selectivity and feeding skills deficits according to MACS levels in children with CP (p < 0.05). In addition, the findings showed that children with CP had significantly worse high scores than children with TD on the risk of aspiration and food selectivity subscales of the STEP, also the daily availability of fruits and vegetables, special meals and many food choices subscales of the PMAS. Conclusions Children with CP experienced feeding disorders and their caregivers made more behavior changes compared to the TD group.