Feeding Difficulties in Neurodivergent Children

Feeding difficulties in children can be a source of concern for many parents and caregivers. These challenges can range from mild pickiness to more severe issues affecting a child's nutritional intake and overall development. It’s important to understand the signs of feeding difficulties and know what steps you can take.. 

Signs of Feeding Difficulties 

 1. Refusal to eat certain foods: While pickiness is normal to an extent, a persistent refusal to eat entire food groups can be a greater concern. 

2. Difficulty chewing or swallowing: Watch for coughing, gagging, or discomfort during eating, which might indicate physical difficulties with feeding. 

3. Limited diet: Sometimes a child's diet can become increasingly restricted (e.g., avoiding entire food groups or only eating foods with a certain texture) which can impact their nutrition. 

4. Disinterest in eating: A general lack of interest in eating or mealtimes can be present in some children. 

5. Poor weight gain or growth: This is a significant sign that your child may not be getting enough nutrition. 

6. Emotional distress during meals: If mealtimes consistently cause distress or anxiety for your child, it might be a sign of feeding difficulties. 

Therapy for Feeding Difficulties 

Potential therapeutic approaches include:  

1. Speech and language therapy This type of therapy can be helpful when children have physical difficulties in chewing or swallowing. Speech and language therapists can work to strengthen the muscles involved in eating and help children learn safer and more effective swallowing techniques. 

2. Occupational therapy: Occupational therapists can be instrumental in addressing sensory-related feeding problems. They work with children to desensitize them to the textures, smells, and tastes of different foods and can help them develop better coordination and motor skills for eating. 

3. Behavioral therapy: Behavioral approaches can be beneficial, especially for children who have developed negative associations with eating or specific types of food. Behavior therapists can employ strategies such as positive reinforcement, gradual exposure to new foods, and breaking down the eating process into manageable steps. 

4. Nutritional counseling: A dietitian or nutritionist can work with your family to ensure that your child’s diet meets their nutritional needs. They can also provide strategies for introducing new foods and supplements, if necessary, to ensure a balanced diet.  

5. Family therapy: Involving the entire family in therapy can be effective, as feeding difficulties often affect family dynamics and mealtime routines. Family therapy can help create a supportive environment for your child and generate strategies that the whole family can implement to make mealtimes more positive and less stressful. 

What to Do If You Suspect Feeding Difficulties 

If you observe any signs of feeding difficulties in your child, begin documenting what your child eats, how much, and any reactions or behaviors they express during meals. This can help identify patterns and specific issues that you can share with your physician or nutritional specialist. These professionals can help assess whether there are underlying medical issues and whether to pursue feeding therapy.  

There are several steps caregivers can take at home, including slowly attempting to introduce new foods. Calm environments with things your child likes might help them feel more comfortable exploring new tastes and textures. It’s important to avoid pressuring your child to eat, as this can create negative associations with food and eating.  

Feeding difficulties in children can be complex, with physical, developmental, and psychological dimensions. Identifying the signs early and seeking professional advice are important steps in addressing these challenges. With patience, understanding, the right support, and a personalized approach, children can overcome feeding difficulties and establish healthy eating habits.