Tag Archives: Special needs children

Transition Charts

The weight and bowel movement chart is vital for transitioning babies, toddlers and children because their bodies respond differently to food and formula differently. For Matthew, because of his Hirschsprung’s Disease diagnosis, he has slow motility. The chart has helped me track how well his current regimen is working. Some babies and toddlers will have difficulty maintaining their weight on a blended diet. That is because a lot of the calories in formula is sugar which is easily stored while whole foods tend to burn as more efficient fuel for the body so more food is necessary. An example would be how much easier it is to gain weight drinking milk shakes as apposed to a balanced diet. The other reason why this chart is vital is for bowel management. Put simply, what goes in must come out. How it comes out will tell how your child is handling certain foods. It will allow you to adjust fiber and water content as you go along. Without the chart it is a shot in the dark. It will be hard to track if your child is gaining, maintaining or losing weight on the new diet as well as what foods are causing constipation. In a nut shell, using this chart will help you see any changes from day to day and show the doctors a your transitioning progress.

Special Angels Foundation

Toshiba Digital Camera

Just recently I had the privilege of attending the fundraiser kick off for Special Angels Foundation.  I had been invited by our pediatrician who is the medical advisor.  Since he had been taking care of our 6 children for over 20 years, I knew that this had to be something close to his heart to ask me to come along.  He knew my heart.  The heart of a mother with a child with special needs who’s mission was to help as many families get over the hurdles I had been dealing with for 16 years.

The fundraiser was amazing.  There were so many stories of trials and triumph.  So often those of us with special needs children feel alone, frustrated and exhausted.  It was a relief to be in a room full of people who “get it”.

The focus of the foundation is to meet the needs that often go unmet.  As insurance companies cover less and less, many who are in need of equipment and therapies go without.  If you are interested in learning more about the foundation, joining us for events or supporting SAF, please visit the Special Angels Foundation website.  No gift is too small.  Every gift is a blessing.

Thank You!