The term “feeding difficulties” is broad, and the severity and complexity of specific difficulties can vary tremendously based on each child’s individual needs. Feeding difficulties can manifest as refusal, selectivity, or low intake of food. The causes are multifactorial, spanning behavioral and underlying biological/medical conditions. Some of the challenges that lead to feeding difficulties in children include–
- sensory processing problems
- poor attachment
- difficulty coordinating suck/swallow
- poor suction
- selective eating
- restricted food intake
- tongue tie
- oral-motor impairments that can lead to aspiration and fear of choking.
The identification of feeding difficulties in young children is hampered by the lack of a globally accepted definition or system for classifying those difficulties. However, screening for and identifying feeding difficulties in children at the appropriate developmental stages is critical to providing support and early intervention that can result in better nutritional and socioemotional outcomes for children and their families.
Use the resources in this section to help identify feeding difficulties and better understand their causes and effects and strengthen support to children in need.
We found 25 resource(s)
How to Approach Feeding Difficulties in Young Children
Journal Article published by Korean Journal of Pediatrics in
This article provides classification guidance on identifying feeding difficulties and a systematic approach to the evaluation and management of feeding difficulties in young children.
Working with Children with Eating & Drinking Difficulties: A Training Programme for Healthcare Specialists in Low-Resource Settings
Training Material published by Multi-Agency International Training Support (MAITS) in
This training is aimed at therapists already working with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities who want treat eating and drinking difficulties.
Autism and Feeding Struggles: How are They Related
Informational Infographic published by Feeding Matters in
This infographic provides information and statistics on the relation between autism spectrum disorders and feeding challenges related to sensory processing.
Parent’s Guide to Feeding Behavior in Children with Autism
Guideline/Guidance published by Autism Speaks in
This guide supports families affected by autism spectrum disorders by helping them understand and address feeding issues.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Growth Charts for Children with Special Health Care Needs
Training Material published by CDC in
This training module provides information on using growth charts to assess the growth of children with special health care needs.
Assessment of Growth and Nutrition in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Journal Article published by European Journal of Clinical Nutrition in
This manuscript provides an update on the assessment of growth and nutrition in children with cerebral palsy and similar neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS)
Assessment Tool published by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust in
The EDACS aims to help speech and language therapists and parents to describe five distinct levels of ability of children with Cerebral Palsy using the key features of safety and efficiency.
Care for Child Development (CCD) Package
Guideline/Guidance published by UNICEF and WHO in
The CCD Package guides health workers and other counselors as they help families build stronger relationships with their children and solve problems in caring for them at home.
