Pediatric feeding disorder (PFD)

 

When eating is about more than “picky eating.”

 

Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) can affect a child's ability to eat or drink safely, comfortably, and adequately for their age. Difficulties may involve feeding skills, medical or nutritional needs, sensory differences, or the child's experience and participation in mealtimes.

 

Families may notice:

• Very limited variety of foods

• Difficulty progressing to new textures

• Trouble chewing or managing food

• Coughing, choking or gagging

• Difficulty transitioning from breast or bottle

• Long or tiring meals

• Poor weight gain or difficulty maintaining nutrition/hydration

• Significant stress surrounding meals

• Strong avoidance of foods, textures or eating situations

​

If you think your child has a feeding disorder, please refer to the Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire  developed by Feeding Matters. This online screening tool will help you identify any red flags for PFD and understand typical feeding development, based on age. You can email or print the results and share it with your child’s doctor to help you talk about your concerns.

​

What about ARFID?

 

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is more than picky eating and can significantly affect a child's nutrition, growth, health, or daily life. Some children with ARFID also have feeding skill, sensory, or swallowing concerns that can benefit from feeding therapy.

​

At Innovative Therapy Center, our role may include addressing feeding skills, oral motor needs, sensory responses to food, food exploration, and participation in mealtimes. Because ARFID can involve medical, nutritional, and mental health needs, we believe in a team approach and collaborate with families and other healthcare providers as appropriate.