Written by Erin R. Mathews, BS, DC HRST Clinical Director
Behavioral issues with eating are among the most common causes of death in individuals with IDD and are also some of the most difficult to change. Statistics and research specific to this issue are quite difficult to track down, but in piecing together information from different sources it is estimated that as many as 25% of accidental deaths in this population occur as the result of unsafe eating patterns that resulted in choking.1 Statistics regarding behavior-related choking incidents and other eating-related injurious behaviors resulting in hospitalization, illness or injures requiring medical treatment are even more difficult to locate. Presumably these are even higher than the number of deaths. This is clearly an issue that needs to be addressed in order to protect the safety of individuals we serve to help them thrive in less restrictive environments.
Dangerous eating behaviors include eating too fast, taking bites that are too large, stuffing too much food into the mouth, intentionally ingesting non-food items (PICA) or food items that are unfit for consumption. Other behaviorally-driven eating concerns include individuals eating spoiled or otherwise contaminated food from garbage cans, dumpsters, off sidewalks (loaded with ants), foods that are frozen or boiling hot or food consumed in amounts far too large for a normal stomach to hold.
Dangerous behavior-related eating patterns may be seen at a higher frequency in individuals with Prader Willi Syndrome or autism, among others. They can also be learned patterns and are frequently associated with a history of living in large, congregate-care facilities, where residents might have been required to scarf down their food very quickly to avoid losing it to their peers. Questionable eating habits that were not addressed earlier in life can become increasingly dangerous as individuals begin to have age-related difficulties with swallowing.
Unsafe eating patterns are some of the most difficult behavioral issues to correct. In fact, many individuals will never be free of the need for support or supervision when it comes to eating. There are several steps that must be taken in order to ensure the safety of individuals with these types of challenges.
1. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/nyregion/at-state-homes-simple-tasks-and-fatal-results.html?pagewanted=2#comments