Enteral feeding is commonly used in children with intellectual disabilities for short and long periods of time, and for a variety of reasons. Traditionally, sterile, ready-to-use commercial feeds are the recommended method of enteral feeding. However, the use of blended diets – where home-made food is mixed to a smooth consistency – has been increasing, with parents preferring to use these to ensure more natural nutritional management and to control their child’s gastrointestinal symptoms.

This article explores the implementation of blended feeding for gastrostomy button-fed children with intellectual disabilities in the special school environment in Ireland. It presents a case study that details the multidisciplinary team approach that was adopted and the decision-making tool and risk assessment process used. Blended feeding has now been adopted in the special school environment, with the intellectual disability nurses working at the school leading its implementation.