Feeding Difficulties
Beyond Picky Eating
Oral Myofunctional
Is an incorrect swallow pattern. Many professionals believe this is due to increased use of bottles, pacifiers, sippy cups and the influence of processed foods on oral motor development. Asthma, allergies and reflux can also contribute to incorrect tongue patterns.
Risk Factors
Mouth breathing
Tongue thrust swallowing
Could It Just Be Picky Eating?
Picky eating is a typical developmental stage that occurs at the same time that a toddler is exhibiting independence. Any picky eating past toddler years is not part of typical development. Although similar in some ways, Feeding Difficulties is not part of typical development. Children “don’t just grow out of it”. Feeding Difficulties is a disorder that can cause many problems for children and their families.
Complications Of Feeding Difficulties
Poor growth and nutrition
Social and emotional anxiety
Delays in development
Stress on entire family
Common Characteristics
Gags, coughs, chokes
Extreme food selectivity
Selective by brand or look of food
Refuses unfamiliar foods
Fear /anxiety of food or eating
Rigid eating habits
Limited variety (<20 foods)
Strong negative reaction to new foods
Oral sensory and motor issues
Does not eat family diet
Disruptive mealtime behaviors
Food jags
That sounds like my child, what should I do?
If your child is exhibiting any of the characteristics of Feeding Difficulties and you are concerned about your child’s feeding behaviors, get help now. The “just make him eat” or “he will eat when he gets hungry” strategies do not work with Feeding Difficulties and may actually make things worse.
Won’t My Child Just Grow Out of It?
Unfortunately kids do not just grow out of Feeding Difficulties. In fact without help, they can get worse and can increase a child’s risk of teenage eating disorder. Early intervention can reduce the risk of medical complications, reduce the potential of behavioral disorders and reduce the risk of social and emotional issues.
Until I get feeding therapy, what can I do at home?
Have family meals
Only feed child when seated. Do not allow traveling while eating.
Continue to offer unstressed presentations of non-favored foods
Do not bribe, sneak or force any food
Ignore or time-out undesired behaviors