Some children struggle with feeding issues. It is more than being picky. It is a significant issue in which children are tube fed, doesn’t progress in food stages, spits out most foods and so forth. See our post “Picky Eater vs. Problem Feeder” for more information about the difference between the two.
A speech-language pathologist begins by trying to figure out why a child is not progressing with eating. It is important to look at motor skills in the child’s mouth. It is also important to consider a child’s possible sensory issues and to rule out any medical reason as to why a child is struggling with eating.
Many children with a history of feeding difficulties also have a history of reflux, constipation, poor weight gain and sometimes food intolerances. Difficulties with eating can lead to food refusal which keeps the cycle going. Lack of nutrition is a serious issue that impacts growth and development.
Working with young children can be a challenge because they aren’t always able to explain what is hard about eating and what hurts. We can observe these children to get information. Many kids “graze” and eat small volumes of food. Some kids avoid food altogether because of resulting stomach aches. Other children may be prone to spitting up, frequent vomiting or crying when eating.
With medical management, your child’s appetite can be better managed to encourage appetite and decrease pain from eating. Medical management can include treating constipation, treating reflux, using different formulas or adjusting rates of tube feedings.
Some children’s eating will improve just with medical management, while some children will need further intervention in the form of feeding therapy with a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist.
If you have any questions about your child and eating, call us at 651-636-4155. We can help!
May 18, 2015