Nutrition Services | Vermont Department of Health
Source: http://healthvermont.gov/family/children-special-health-needs/nutrition-services
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:20
Nutrition Services | Vermont Department of Health
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Nutrition Services
Children With Special Health Needs
Care Consultation and Health Systems
Developmental Evaluation Programs
Children's Personal Care Services
Pediatric High-Tech Nursing
Palliative Care
Nutrition Services
Nutrition services for children with special health needs
Individualized nutrition services are sometimes necessary for children with special health needs who have specific growth, feeding and dietary needs. Services are provided by expertly trained Registered Dieticians (RDs) who serve all regions of Vermont.
Children who are commonly referred for these services are living with a special health need, and:
Have difficulty gaining or losing weight
Eat only a limited variety of foods
Have problems with constipation
Have challenges with feeding and eating
Cannot safely eat by mouth
Have diagnoses that change their needs for specific nutrients
Why are Community Nutrition Network services needed?
As many as 40% of infants and children with special health care needs are at nutritional risk.
Children with chronic health conditions are at high risk for nutrition and related feeding behavioral problems due to changes in developmental skills, behavior and emotional regulation, and changes in digestion and metabolism related to many chronic conditions. Children with Special Health Needs dietitians' strategies to address these challenges can augment treatment plans and improve outcomes, including improved growth, behavior, parent-child interaction and cognitive development.
A well-nourished child has greater alertness and stamina to participate in therapies, educational activities and social interactions, and also benefits from fewer illnesses and improved coping skills. Improved nutritional status and feeding skills may increase the level of independence the child is able to achieve. It can improve the child’s perception of self and the caregivers’ perceptions of their abilities to meet the child’s needs.
How does a family access Community Nutrition Network services?
Anyone in the child’s circle of support might suggest nutrition services, but health care providers (like doctors or nurse practitioners) or your
Children’s Integrated Services/Early Intervention
team can make a
referral
.
CSHN Nutrition Network Brochure
Contact us
Children with Special Health Needs
Vermont Department of Health
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-8360
Tel
:
800-660-4427
or
802-863-7338
Fax:
802-863-7635
Topics:
Healthy Eating
|
Physical Activity and Nutrition
Last Updated:
January 15, 2025
Skip to main content
MENU
x
CLOSE
Translations for you
Nutrition Services
Children With Special Health Needs
Care Consultation and Health Systems
Developmental Evaluation Programs
Children's Personal Care Services
Pediatric High-Tech Nursing
Palliative Care
Nutrition Services
Nutrition services for children with special health needs
Individualized nutrition services are sometimes necessary for children with special health needs who have specific growth, feeding and dietary needs. Services are provided by expertly trained Registered Dieticians (RDs) who serve all regions of Vermont.
Children who are commonly referred for these services are living with a special health need, and:
Have difficulty gaining or losing weight
Eat only a limited variety of foods
Have problems with constipation
Have challenges with feeding and eating
Cannot safely eat by mouth
Have diagnoses that change their needs for specific nutrients
Why are Community Nutrition Network services needed?
As many as 40% of infants and children with special health care needs are at nutritional risk.
Children with chronic health conditions are at high risk for nutrition and related feeding behavioral problems due to changes in developmental skills, behavior and emotional regulation, and changes in digestion and metabolism related to many chronic conditions. Children with Special Health Needs dietitians' strategies to address these challenges can augment treatment plans and improve outcomes, including improved growth, behavior, parent-child interaction and cognitive development.
A well-nourished child has greater alertness and stamina to participate in therapies, educational activities and social interactions, and also benefits from fewer illnesses and improved coping skills. Improved nutritional status and feeding skills may increase the level of independence the child is able to achieve. It can improve the child’s perception of self and the caregivers’ perceptions of their abilities to meet the child’s needs.
How does a family access Community Nutrition Network services?
Anyone in the child’s circle of support might suggest nutrition services, but health care providers (like doctors or nurse practitioners) or your
Children’s Integrated Services/Early Intervention
team can make a
referral
.
CSHN Nutrition Network Brochure
Contact us
Children with Special Health Needs
Vermont Department of Health
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-8360
Tel
:
800-660-4427
or
802-863-7338
Fax:
802-863-7635
Topics:
Healthy Eating
|
Physical Activity and Nutrition
Last Updated:
January 15, 2025