Tag: Accommodation

Swiss developmental psychologist Jean Piaget's theory, developed primarily from observing his own children, reveals that a child’s cognitive processes are crucial for how they understand and interact with the world around them, including their dietary habits. While Piaget did not explicitly detail a theory of nutrition, his work offers a powerful framework for understanding how children learn about and form opinions on food.

Recent studies in developmental psychology show that a child's eating habits and food choices are not random, but are shaped by their cognitive development. Piaget's theory of nutrition is an application of his broader cognitive framework, suggesting that children's understanding of food and healthy eating evolves through distinct developmental stages, from sensory exploration to abstract reasoning.

While an estimated 2.3% of the U.S. population identifies as strictly vegetarian, the question remains: is vegetarian a special dietary need? The answer is nuanced, depending on whether you're considering the legal definition, nutritional requirements, or practical accommodation needs.