A COLLABORATIVE MODEL FOR IDENTIFYING FEEDING AND NUTRITION NEEDS IN EARLY INTERVENTION

Many infants with special needs who qualify for early intervention (EI) are at risk for delayed or maladaptive feeding skills and malnutrition. This may result from a combination of factors including biomedical circumstances as well as a myriad of emotional, physical, and social stresses associated with caring for a child with special health care needs. The Nutrition and Feeding Risk Identification Tool (NFRIT) was developed using a family-centered, community-based, coordinated approach to screening and assessment of nutrition and feeding concerns of families served through EI. This article describes NFRIT, the collaborative process used in its development, pilot-testing, and potential approaches for implementation.