Nutrition Concerns and Solutions in Cerebral Palsy
Join us for an informative webinar on Nutrition and CP, a conversation from two Irish leading experts with professional expertise in Dietetics and Speech & Language therapy.
This session is hosted by Dr Anna Delahunt RD, PhD and Registered Dietitian, Avril Rushton Senior Speech and Language Therapist and Nicola Welford, Community & Communication Officer for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation Ireland.
Topics covered in this webinar include: Growth and body composition, assessment, monitoring of nutrition, balanced diet and important nutrients and micronutrients, management of dysphagia/oro-motor difficulties, management of gastrointestinal issues,
and optimising nutrition in children with poor nutritional status.
ABOUT THE PANELISTS:
Dr Anna Delahunt RD, PhD Registered Dietitian
Dr Anna Delahunt is a CORU Registered Dietitian, who has worked in the area of clinical paediatrics over the past 20 years. Her current role is as Clinical Specialist Dietitian in paediatric Neurodisability at CHI at Tallaght. She has completed an MSc in Healthcare Leadership in the Royal College of Surgeons, focusing on paediatric enteral nutrition and completed her PhD at the UCD Perinatal Research Centre, exploring the underlying determinants of childhood eating behaviours, as part of the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort study.
Avril Rushton Senior Speech and Language Therapist
Avril Rushton is a highly experienced Senior Speech and Language Therapist who has over 25 years of experience working with children who have complex needs as part of an interdisciplinary team specializing in early intervention for 0-18 year olds with developmental challenges, including cerebral palsy.
Throughout her career, she has developed a deep understanding of the unique needs of this population and has contributed significantly to their communication and feeding development. Her expertise spans assessment, intervention, and collaborative practice within a family centred framework. Avril is passionate about enhancing the lives of children with disabilities through innovative and evidence-based practices. She continues to advocate for inclusive environments that support the full potential of each child. Avril’s expertise lies in integrating parents as active partners in therapy, focusing on improving both child outcomes
and caregiver confidence.
Nicola Welford CPF’s Community & Communication Officer
We all know, when feeding is not going well, it can be a stressful situation for all. Nutrition is essential for optimal growth, which is a fundamental marker of health and wellbeing. And good nutrition is essential to prevent both under and overnutrition, both of which can have a negative impact on health and wellbeing.
