From: / Somebody, OTR
Date: / 5/16/05
Re: / Student XYZ’s- Feeding Program
DOB: / 3/4/88
In order for Student X to be safely fed by teaching staff while at school, procedures were developed. I would appreciate it if you could review the following procedures.
Position: / Student X is positioned in her manual wheelchair with straps secured. Due to severe scoliosis, positioning in current wheelchair is not optimal; a new seating system is on order. The manual chair is tilted approximately 15 degrees during meals.Adaptive Equipment: / Hard plastic small-bowled spoon.
Oral Motor Skills: / Student X demonstrates poor oral motor skills. She does not chew. Food frequently stays toward the front of her mouth if she is distracted.
Food Textures: / Foods prepared by the cafeteria staff to a pureed consistency.
Duration: / Breakfast 10 minutes; Lunch 10 minutes; Snack 5 minutes
Feeding Schedule: / Breakfast 8:40am; Lunch 11:30am; Snack 2:30pm
Intake: / Very minimal.
Comments or Concerns: / Student X has gradually eaten less and less at school. A good day is approximately 8 spoonfuls of food. Student X’s mother is regularly informed of Student X’s lack of nutritional intake at school, but is not overly concerned as she feels that Student X eats well at home. Though a Modified Barium Swallow Study has been suggested several times in the past, Ms. X prefers not to pursue one as she feels intake is adequate at home. Therapist is not aware of a history of aspiration pneumonia. However, the increasing scoliosis may be an increasing factor in Student X’s eating performance. Historically, Student X has always eaten better at home than at school; of concern is the growing lack of interest in eating at school.
If these procedures meet with your approval, please sign and return in the self-address, stamped envelope. Please indicate if you have further comments, suggestions, or questions regarding this matter.
Thank you for your prompt attention.
Sincerely,
Comments and Contraindications
This oral feeding program meets with my approval.
______
Physician’s Signature Date