A child with spastic cerebral palsy is struggling with self-feeding. What strategy could effectively support their needs?

The strategy of using adaptive utensils for easier grip is particularly effective for a child with spastic cerebral palsy who is struggling with self-feeding. Children with spastic cerebral palsy may experience muscle stiffness, coordination issues, and difficulty in fine motor control. Adaptive utensils, which might include specially designed grips or weighted utensils, can facilitate a more comfortable and effective feeding experience. These tools can help the child gain greater independence by allowing them to grasp and manipulate the utensils with more ease, enabling them to successfully participate in feeding themselves.

Encouraging independent meal planning is not as directly relevant to the immediate challenges of self-feeding, as it does not address the physical aspects of grasping and using utensils. Requiring family assistance at every meal may not promote the child’s independence and could lead to dependence on caregivers for feeding, thus limiting their opportunities for practice. Eliminating meals to focus on feeding therapy is not a viable strategy, as regular nutrition is essential for the child's health and well-being.

Overall, adaptive utensils provide a targeted solution to the specific challenges faced during self-feeding, empowering the child to develop their skills while addressing their unique physical needs.