When To Seek Help For Picky Eating
As a speech pathologist and feeding specialist, I often work with parents who are concerned about their child's picky eating habits. While it’s normal for children to be selective with food at certain stages, there are times when picky eating may signal a deeper issue that requires professional intervention. Understanding the difference between typical food preferences and when help is needed can be challenging, but it’s crucial for supporting your child’s overall development and well-being.
1. When the Diet is Extremely Limited
It’s common for children to have food preferences, but when your child refuses an entire food group or eats only a handful of foods, it could indicate more than just typical pickiness. Children who have a diet consisting of fewer than 10-15 foods may be at risk for nutritional deficiencies. A restricted diet can impact their growth, energy levels, and ability to focus, all of which affect their overall development. If your child’s eating habits are limited and not improving over time, it may be time to consult a feeding specialist.
2. When There are Signs of Nutritional Deficiencies
As a feeding specialist, I’ve seen firsthand how picky eating can lead to deficiencies in important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and protein. Signs that your child may be lacking essential nutrients include:
Fatigue or lethargy
Pale skin or brittle hair
Digestive issues or constipation
Poor growth or weight gain
If your child is showing any of these signs, it’s important to seek help from a pediatrician or feeding specialist to ensure they are getting the nutrition they need for healthy development.
3. When Eating is Associated with Anxiety or Stress
Feeding difficulties often come with emotional or behavioral challenges. If your child becomes anxious or upset about mealtime, refuses to sit at the table, or shows signs of frustration or resistance when it’s time to eat, it may be more than just picky eating. Children with food aversions may have heightened sensory sensitivities to the texture, smell, or appearance of certain foods, or they may have a history of negative mealtime experiences. As a feeding therapist, I work with families to create a more relaxed and positive mealtime environment and help children overcome food-related anxiety.
4. When Food Refusal is Persistent Over Time
Picky eating is usually a phase that resolves as a child grows older, but when food refusal continues for months or even years, it can signal a feeding disorder, such as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). This condition often requires specialized intervention to help your child gradually expand their food variety and develop healthy eating habits. If your child’s food refusal is persistent and impacts their nutrition and social development, seeking help from a feeding therapist can make a big difference.
5. When Physical Symptoms Accompany Eating Challenges
Children who have difficulty chewing or swallowing may show signs like coughing, gagging, or taking an unusually long time to eat. These physical signs could indicate oral-motor issues, such as weak mouth muscles or an inability to properly chew and swallow food. As a speech-language pathologist, I assess and treat these oral-motor issues to improve your child’s ability to eat safely and efficiently. If your child consistently struggles with chewing or swallowing, a feeding evaluation is recommended to determine the underlying causes and provide appropriate therapy.
6. When There is a Concern About Growth or Weight
If your child’s picky eating habits are impacting their weight gain or growth, it’s time to seek professional help. Children who are consistently below their growth curve or fail to gain weight may have an undiagnosed feeding disorder or medical condition that needs attention. In these cases, a feeding assessment can help identify any issues with oral-motor function or eating patterns that may be hindering their growth.
7. When Picky Eating is Affecting Socialization
Mealtimes are an important social activity, and children often eat with family members or peers at school. If your child’s eating habits are preventing them from participating in these social settings or they are embarrassed about their food preferences, it could affect their emotional and social development. A feeding therapist can help address these issues by making mealtimes more enjoyable and teaching strategies for eating in social situations.
Solutions and Next Steps
If you’re concerned about your child’s picky eating, here are some steps you can take:
Consult a Pediatrician: A doctor can evaluate your child’s growth and development, helping to rule out any medical issues that may be affecting their eating.
Work with a Feeding Specialist: A feeding therapist can assess your child’s oral-motor skills, sensory sensitivities, and mealtime behavior, providing strategies to improve their eating habits.
Consider Nutritional Support: A pediatric nutritionist can help ensure your child is getting a balanced diet, and they can assist in gradually expanding your child’s food preferences.
Incorporate Therapy into Family Meals: Feeding therapy often includes strategies for family meals, encouraging positive mealtime behaviors, and making food less stressful for your child.
Conclusion
Picky eating is common, but when it persists over time or leads to physical, emotional, or nutritional concerns, seeking professional help is essential. As a speech pathologist and feeding specialist, I work with families to address oral-motor skills, sensory sensitivities, and mealtime behavior to help children build a positive relationship with food. If you’re concerned about your child’s eating habits, don’t hesitate to reach out to a specialist who can provide support and
