Abstract
<jats:p>The term special needs covers a wide range of conditions, and can include disabilities resulting from congenital or acquired conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy and syndromes such as Down syndrome; neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and other conditions including autism. The paediatric dietitian may have a role to play in the care of these children in both the hospital and community. Children with special needs are usually measured and plotted on either standard or condition‐specific growth charts. Nutritional requirements for these children can vary, even amongst those with the same condition, so must be assessed individually. The paediatric dietitian will provide support to families and carers, nursery and school staff and respite carers. They also work with other healthcare professionals in relation to the child's feeding, sometimes in multidisciplinary teams. These include: paediatricians, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.</jats:p>