Does my child have a feeding problem?
Are you worried that your child has an eating problem? Maybe your pediatrician told you this was "normal" or that it "was probably just a phase." In some cases, this might be true. But in others, it's wrong, and parents are left frustrated and without clear guidelines to determine whether or not their child's feeding or lack of feeding is a problem.
If you're concerned that your child has a feeding problem, consider the following guidelines to decide whether a feeding intervention is necessary:
- Your child is not gaining weight consistently and has been diagnosed as "failure to thrive" or "undernourished."
- Your child is dependent on tube feedings but has the skills needed to eat by mouth.
- Your child has problems eating age-appropriate textures.
- Your child refuses to eat an age-appropriate variety of foods.
- Mealtime problem behaviors are disruptive to family functioning. These behaviors can include crying, throwing food, excessive dawdling, spitting out food, gagging, vomiting, or holding food in the mouth for excessive amounts of time.
- Chewing or swallowing problems are evident or suspected.
Next time, we'll discuss why eating problems are such a source of concern for parents.
Source:
Williams, Keith E., and Richard M. Foxx. Treating Eating Problems of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities: Interventions for Professionals and Parents. PRO-ED, 2007.