Early Intervention Increased Food Acceptance in Children With Visual Impairment

Abstract

Limited literature exists documenting mealtime challenges and evidence for early intervention for children with visual impairment (VI). The objective of this pilot study was to determine whether a mealtime routines intervention for children with VI from 6 to 24 months would affect food texture, variety, and healthy food choices. The intervention occurred in homes/childcare settings involving children with VI, their caretakers, and their early interventionists. The intervention group scored higher than the control group for acceptance of food textures at 6–24 months (p ≤ .005) and at 13–24 months (p ≤ .007) and for consuming a greater variety of foods between 6 and 12 months (p ≤ .04). Assessment scores for positive caregiver and child mealtime behaviors were higher for the intervention group, p = .0000. The intervention showed promise for enhancing positive mealtime behaviors, feeding skills, and food acceptance.