Eating Problems: Why Worry?

Are you concerned that your child has a feeding problem? Has your child's lack of eating a well-balanced diet or appropriate amount of food affected your family? Have mealtimes become so difficult that you find it necessary to prepare separate meals or restrict your family from eating in restaurants or other public places?

Sure, you can ignore the problem and wait for it to eventually pass. It may get better, your child may suddenly start eating a wider variety of foods. But will they? And if they do start, when will that be? And what will cause them to suddenly broaden their food horizons? 

While you wait for this magical day, how has your family's nutrient intake suffered? Many parents only serve foods that they know their child will eat, to avoid both wasting time and food. So now, not only does your picky eater not get enough nutrients, but neither do you, nor does anyone else who partakes in mealtime at your house.

Coming up, we'll list some common eating problems, and why it's so important to address them as soon as possible.

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.