Nutritional features of students with mild mental retardation

Abstract

This research aims to examine the malnutrition and its the effects on cognitive, psycho motor and physical development of students from special education primary school, secondary school and various rehabilitation centers including students receiving special training with mild mental retardation and the effects of malnutrition on the children’s attitude and behavior.

Data collection forms, developed by the researchers were used in the study. Data forms consisting of two parts child related features, and behaviors towards child's nutrition were filled by the families. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS statistical software package. According to findings, , 28.2% of the subjects were based on nutritional problems among students with mild mental retardation, Moreover; data has shown that nutritional problems were more commonly observed in female students, nutrition problem diminished as the age advanced but it was concluded that there was no significant change in age-dependent food consumption patterns, 14.1% of the children had the food that they felt uncomfortable when they consumed, in case of consumption of foods containing preservatives and additives, 21.4% of the children with hyperactivity, 12.3% with attention deficit, 6.4% with learning difficulties, and 16.8% with allergies were observed.