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 patters.

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?

f 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