Enteral nutrition in people with developmental disability

If initial management is unsuccessful, and the poor nutritional status of the person with developmental disability continues, consider enteral tube feeding.

Any decision to commence enteral nutrition should involve the person, their family and other support people, and relevant specialists (eg dietitian, speech pathologist, gastroenterologist, rehabilitation physician, paediatrician). A multidisciplinary person-centred approach using an ethical decision-making framework is recommended to consider the clinical assessments and management interventions; see Person-centred framework for assessing and managing dysphagia.

Enteral nutrition support, including monitoring and tube care, is discussed in more detail in Enteral nutrition support.