A pediatric feeding disorder, also known as an avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, is a situation where a kid refuses to eat or places restrictions on what or how much they will consume. This causes issues including weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, the need for dietary supplements, or difficulties with day-to-day functioning. These illnesses frequently interfere with family functioning and restrict a child’s participation in normal social activities like dining with others.
Difference Between a Feeding and Eating Disorder
Psychiatric diagnoses include eating disorders. Consequently, these disorders are brought on by how a person thinks. It is a feeding problem, not an eating disorder, for a kid to have difficulty chewing, undiscovered GERD, or any of the numerous other sometimes undiagnosed medical conditions that influence hunger and eating, as well as sensory processing disorders that limit their ability to consume various meals.
The distinction is that a child with a feeding issue struggles with the bodily reactions to eating or the abilities required. Children from infancy to adolescence may experience intense emotional responses to new or unusual meals, which happens frequently.
What if My Child Has a Feeding Disorder
Being aware that your child has PFD may be pretty beneficial. Until now, parents of extremely picky eaters had no means of communicating with or explaining to others the struggles their kid was facing. They have had to cope with unwelcome and frequently unfavorable advice coming from others that doesn’t pertain to their child.
However, children with a pediatric feeding disorder require special help, which is where Feeding Fundamentals, LLC comes in. According to a study, as many as 40–60% of children won’t be able to overcome the disorder if they don’t receive therapy.