NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND FEEDING PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER: A COMPARATIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Developmental disorders, such as cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities, are common causes of childhood disability globally and can severely affect physical growth and nutrition.Children with these disorders often face feeding difficulties, including poor oralmotor coordination, swallowing issues, and inability to self-feed, which can lead to undernutrition.These nutritional deficits may further impair growth, hinder development, and increase the risk of long-term health complications.Understanding the nutritional status and feeding problems in these children is essential for creating effective interventions to improve their health outcomes.Objective: To assess and compare the nutritional status and feeding problems of children with