Behavior

[charlie115]

I have a 13 year old grandson with Down Syndrome.  He refuses to come to the dinner table every night.  His parents just don't know what to do.  He eats very little at school so he should be hungry.  He doesn't snack after school either.  What method should they use to get him to coperate?  They have tried taking away favorite things.  Any help would be appreciated.

[SimplyStar]

quit making such a fuss about this behavior, put his plate on the table, call him one time and then have the rest of the family proceed with eating.  All children go through these behavior  moods, it is usually the nagging and fuss made that makes the behavior last longer than it should.

[bluebubble_angel23]

maybe you should talk to him slowly or even get him his favourite food to get him in the mood to eat.Might help... or you could put snacks and food at a place near him so he could reach out for food when he really needs it.. he probably needs his space.I hope this helps

[momof2tri21]

Hmmmm..my kids have issue with noise -- is it loud at the table?  What might be keeping him away?  Maybe try and going into another area and eating with him -- spread a blanket out on the floor and make eating fun and not a structured event and maybe you could transition it into the kitchen.  Another thing that might help -- i would have him help make a chart that only was for eating at the table.  Have him pick out a prize -- and when he gets 5 stickers or whatever you choose to put on the chart -- he can get his prize.  

I have used that with my kids and it works well.  nanny.com has some great reward charts that helped my 8 year old with some negative behaviors.  

:)

[GoldenMomSSC]

Do not take away his favorite thing, instead use it as a reinforcer.  "First eat this, then you can (favorite thing)".  Start by introducing something that he is most likely to eat, as if becomes successful then you can introduce another food.  As they say, practice makes perfect.  Be consistent and don't give attention to any negative behavior.  Only reinforce and give attention to the expected behavior (or behavior you would like to see).  My son is a picky eater so I definitely know your pain.