Dining Aids

The list of equipment and aids required for eating and drinking for our children can be extensive. In this section we identify some of the most common items needed and also include some quotes from our members. You can find a list of suppliers for dining aids here

Cutlery

For children who are able to self feed but need some assistance, your OT can help advise the best cutlery for them. For example, weighted spoons can help stablise a hand that may tremor or easy grip spoons that help those with a weak or limited hand grip. For the smaller child, Tommee Tippee do a range of easy grip cutlery that may be suitable.

One of our members home made solutions is " Foam lagging for pipes bought in DIY shops or hardware shops - cut out and put over handle of fork and spoon to make instant " special needs" cutlery which is easy to hold, especially when learning to use a spoon or fork"

Tableware

It may be a good idea to get some Dycem for use under plates, bowls, cups to prevent slippage. Some specialist tableware comes with a suction bottom.

Below are some example plates/bowls which are commonly suggested for those with disabilities:

Dycem Hippo Playmat for use as a placemat or on top of writing boards. Also comes in reels

Contoured Bowl - makes it easier for food to be scooped up

Partitioned Scoop Dish - keeps food separate but also aids scooping

Round Up Plate - helps to prevent food from "escaping". Good for those with limited muscle control and co-ordination

 

Drinking Aids

Again Tommee Tippee do a range of beakers and non spill cups that may be suitable including easy to grip items. For older children able to suck through a spout, try normal Sports Bottles.

Here are some examples of specialist drinking aids that may be suitable also


Non Spill Cup

Clear Plastic Mug with Large handle - can be drunk through spout or through a straw

Childrens Nosey Cup - reducing the need to tilt the head

 

Bibs

As your Special Needs child gets older, baby bibs may no longer fit them. If they have a need for a bib due to drooling or during eating/drinking, you can purchase special bibs or do as one of our members does " Bibs - I make my own from shower curtaining, wincyette padding and then fun fabric over the top. Also you could use old t-shirts and sweatshirts - cut the back off leaving the neck band intact and you have a sleeved slip-over clothing protector"

Rackety's do bibs up to age 14 in a range of colours or you can get child and adult size bibs from some of the suppliers listed here. It is also worth noting for those children that drool that Dribble Bandanas do some fun alternatives to a bib.