Screening and Referral for Nutrition Concerns
Since children with special health care needs are at increased risk for nutrition-related problems, it is important that they receive screening to identify any problems. When a nutrition concern is identified, primary health care providers or educators should refer the child and family for nutrition services or resources.
Nutrition Screening
Nutrition screening policies and tools ensure that children with nutrition risks are identified, monitored, and given intervention or resources. There are a variety of screening tools that can be used in primary care settings, community clinics, or early intervention programs. Some examples of these include:
- Parent Eating and Nutrition Assessment for Children with Special Health Needs (PEACH) Survey
- Nutrition Screening Questionnaire (1-page pdf form used by local health department)
- Nutrition Screening Form (2-page pdf form used by a CSHCN program of a health department)
For a 2008 report on screening and nutrition services for children served by early intervention programs in Spokane County, see Nutrition Screening for Infants and Young Children with Special Health Care Needs: Spokane County, Washington.
