title: Obesity and children with special healthcare needs: special considerations for a special population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The high prevalence of childhood obesity continues to persist, especially in children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN). The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations are appropriate frameworks related to increasing physical activity and healthy eating habits among CYSHCN. This review aims to provide pediatric providers with recommendations in the assessment, treatment, and management of obesity in CYSHCN.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Personal, environmental, and parental factors contribute to participation of CYSHCN in physical activity and consumption of healthy foods. Findings demonstrate that physical activity among CYSHCN is possible with proper guidance and supervision from families, healthcare providers, and community recreation staff. Proper direction from parents can help CYSHCN with food restrictions consume healthier food options. Creative solutions for promoting physical activity and healthy foods are vital for this special population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Promoting healthy weight and addressing health behaviors can contribute to favorable health outcomes and quality of life in CYSHCN. Pediatricians are encouraged to assess risks contributing to obesity in collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams (specialists, psychologists, primary care providers, mental health professionals, social workers, physical therapists, and dieticians), providing their patients (CYSHCN) with essential skills and resources to prevent and manage obesity.
authors.affiliation: aDrexel School of Public Health bDrexel College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University cDepartment of Pediatrics, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Purni
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Abeysekara
authors.forename: Renee
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Turchi
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Neil
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004032:Diet; D019988:Children with Disabilities; D015444:Exercise; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D010372:Pediatrics; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors