Positively Influencing Weight Management of Children with Special Needs

It is important to get those with special needs to feel as self-motivated as possible and as though they are accomplishing certain goals. These goals should not be weight loss goals, but instead should be behavioral goals. For example, instead of “lose 5 pounds,” set goals like “go to a yoga class once a week” or “eat a piece of fruit everyday.”

The environment the child with special needs is surrounded by will affect their ability to effectively manage their weight. Families have to change their habits in order to get their child with special needs to change theirs. For example, families must be committed to changing their eating habits and fitness activities in order to change their child's habits. As children get older, peers and other children their age are often more effective motivators than parents. Children will be more motivated and encouraged to participate in activities with non-disabled children around the same age. 

Everyone in the child's life needs to be supportive in promoting a healthy weight. In schools, teachers and staff need to be educated about not using food as a reward system and they need to be advocating for Adapted Physical Education (APE). Physicians and other medical personnel may also need to be educated on the weight gain consequences of many prescription drugs and the effects that could have on a disabled person. Children with special needs often work with a variety of different specialists but do not have a primary healthcare provider who can work with them to manage weight gain. 

Many of our choices are determined by the environment built around us. Small details like an absence of curb cuts, crosswalks, sidewalks, or working elevators are major impediments for people with disabilities. Building a community that is accessible to those with a disability is both ethical and necessary, allowing those with special needs to lead normal lives. Some additions that could be made to communities are accessible play structures and parks with accessible trails. Communities can make fitness walks, swimming, and inclusive exercise classes more accessible by having an environment that is accessible for people with special needs. Recreation centers, health clubs, and sports groups need to include accessible and inclusive fitness activities as a part of their regular offerings. 

Researchers and policymakers combating childhood obesity, and other related topics, must include children with special needs in their studies, plans, and policies.