My child eats only a few types of food. How do I know if he or she is just a picky eater or problem feeder?
Both picky eaters and problem feeders consume a limited variety of foods. However, children who have problems with feeding usually have less than 20 different foods in their repertoire. Foods that a child discontinues eating are usually regained by the picky eater, but not so with the problem feeder. The child with feeding problems typically cries and “falls apart” when presented with new foods; the picky eater can tolerate new foods on their plate and will taste or touch a new food. The child with feeding problems refuses entire categoires of food textures. Children with feeding problems may have associated difficulties or early medical and/or biological history that has contributed to problems with food. Early reflux, oral-motor difficulties (e.g., sucking, chewing, tongue and jaw mobility), and sensory processing challenges are but a few of the associated or contributing factors that play an important influence on a child’s ability to handle, tolerate, and enjoy food. Forcing a chil
