Is It a Feeding Disorder?

Is your child’s picky eating a cause for concern?

by Karina Gonzalez, M.S., CCC-SLP

Does your child only want to eat the same thing over andover again? Does your child refuse to try new foods? Is your child veryselective about what he will eat? If so, you are not alone. Many young childrenwill be picky with their acceptance of food at some point in their childhood. Astudy performed by Carruth, b., Ziegler, P., Gordon, A., and Barr, S (2004), lookedat the occurrence of Picky Eaters in infant and toddlers and they found that,picky eating can begin at 4-6 months of age, and ultimately 50% of 24 montholds are picky eaters! No wonder there’s a huge industry for toddler foods andkids’ menus at every restaurant! Parents need to understand that your child’sfear of trying new food items is normal and most of the time there is no needto panic, but how do you know if your picky eater is a cause for concern?Here’s a list of red flags to look for:

 

·        If your child is below the growth chart at yourpediatrician’s check-up or has poor weight gain.

·        If your child is refusing an entire food group,for example: proteins, fruits or veggies.

·        If your child eats less than 30 different foods.

·        If your child is not eating age appropriatetextures, for example a 2 year old only eating puree baby food.

·        If mealtimes are consistently a battle betweenyou and your child.

·        If meal times are lengthy.

·        If your child has not started to self-feed andis not cup drinking by 24 months.

·        If your child has a strong reaction to tryingnew foods, gagging, crying, vomiting or disruptive behaviors.

·        If your child is not willing to touch new foods.

·        If your child has a delay in the development ofhis oral skills needed for eating, for example; not chewing and swallowing foodwhole.

·        Coughing, chocking and frequent gagging duringmeals.

 

If your child is displaying any of the red flags above orany other behaviors that concern you, speak to your child’s pediatrician assoon as possible. Your child may benefit from feeding therapy and earlyintervention is key.

You may also contact me at speakeatplay@gmail.com for a consultation.