Many children go through phases of picky eating, or reluctance to try new foods, or even just have specific foods that they refuse to eat. So how do you know if your child's restrictive eating habits go beyond simple picky eating, and should be cause for concern?
Consider consulting with a medical professional if your child:
Only a qualified medical professional can diagnose whether your child's eating habits counts as a disorder and requires medical intervention, so it's best to seek professional advice if you are concerned.
Feeding difficulties and ARFID can stem from a wide variety of causes, including:
Feeding difficulties and ARFID are also frequently co-morbid with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism.
As every case is individual, it's important for the occupational therapist to first identify that root cause in order to effectively address the feeding difficulty.
You should consult a medical professional, such as your child's paediatrician or your family GP, immediately if you suspect that they have feeding difficulties beyond normal picky eating. Early intervention is crucial.
This is because lack of proper nutrition can have adverse effects on your child's physical health and development. Eating a limited and unbalanced diet can lead to severe underweight, nutrient deficiencies, and anemia, among other things.
Furthermore, the longer your child's restrictive eating habits persist, the more entrenched and difficult they can be to correct.
An occupational therapist can help address the root cause of your child's feeding difficulties, and create a tailored plan to gently help them overcome their aversions.
Our paediatric occupational therapist team is mobile, meaning the therapy sessions are in the comfort of your home. This allows the OT to observe and guide your child in their usual feeding environment, which can make treatment more effective.