Tip of the Week: Food-Secure Classrooms

Even for children with Prader-Willi syndrome who do not have high food-seeking behaviors, it is important that they have a food-secure environment in the school setting. There is a spectrum of food-seeking, and not every child will actively look to obtain food that isn’t theirs. But the anxiety that the presence of food causes is extremely disruptive. Anxiety will cause a lack of focus, behavioral incidents, and lack of motivation to learn, among other things. For children who actively food-seek, the need for a food-secure environment is a matter of life and death. Work with your child’s school to ensure that food is not obtainable and that mealtimes and snacks are scheduled and given at the same times each day.

Patrice Carroll, Latham Centers’ Director of PWS Services, is world-renowned for her Prader-Willi syndrome expertise. She works with Latham students and residents, their families, and other experts, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices. If you have PWS-related questions, we invite you to email TipTopics@LathamCenters.org.