Children with sensory processing disorder (SPD) may have difficulty tolerating certain textures, tastes, or smells, leading to picky eating habits. They may also struggle with the sensory experience of eating, making meal times challenging.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can also impact eating habits, as children with ADHD may have difficulty sitting still and focusing during meals. This can result in rushed eating or lack of interest in food.
Children on the autism spectrum may have sensory sensitivities that make them aversive to certain foods. They may also prefer routine and predictability, leading to limited food choices and repetitive eating patterns.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a serious eating disorder that can manifest in childhood. Children with ARFID may avoid certain foods based on sensory issues, fear of choking, or past negative experiences with food.
When addressing picky eating and feeding difficulties, it’s important to work with healthcare professionals, such as occupational therapists, speech therapists, and dietitians, who can provide targeted interventions and support. A multidisciplinary approach can help identify underlying issues and develop strategies to broaden a child’s food preferences and improve mealtime experiences.
Sensory Processing Disorder
What is SPD?
SPD results from sensory information processing glitches in the brain, impacting responses to sound, light, textures, and social signals.
Food consumption poses difficulties for individuals with SPD, affecting hunger signals and sensory perceptions of food.
Autism and ADHD
People on the autism spectrum might experience sensory challenges related to food. Eating habits can also be influenced by ADHD symptoms.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
ARFID is characterized by severe selective eating habits and disruptions leading to nutritional gaps.
Children with ARFID might avoid specific foods and depend on processed options for nutrition.
Parental Strategies
Parents play a crucial role in ensuring their child’s nutritional needs are met and in reducing mealtime stress.
Signs of Feeding Difficulties
It’s important to be aware of signs like texture preferences, temperature sensitivities, exaggerated reactions, and sensory hurdles, as they may indicate a need for professional guidance.
Other factors such as reflux, allergies, poor digestion, oral motor skills, and chronic congestion can also contribute to feeding issues.
Healthy Habits
Avoid keeping tempting snacks at home and consider offering leftovers as healthy snack options. Consistency in providing nutritious meals is key, focusing on a few preferred foods that your child enjoys.
Work on improving one meal at a time, starting with breakfast, and prioritize protein and a variety of healthy options for a balanced diet.
Consider Supplements
Picky eaters may experience nutritional deficiencies, so consider incorporating supplements to balance their diet and provide additional nutrients. Foods rich in zinc, like meat, nuts, and legumes, can help support appetite.
Stay Calm and Carry On
Collaboration within the family is essential in addressing repetitive eating behaviors. Gradually introduce new foods and involve your child in meal planning and preparation.
How to Introduce New Foods
- Focus on one food at a time
- Introduce new foods gradually
- Inform your child in advance about new foods
- Offer similar choices to foods they already enjoy
- Use natural consequences for cooperation
Remain positive and calm throughout the process, acknowledging your child’s challenges and progress.
Picky Eating Problems: Next Steps
- Download: Top Vitamins and Supplements for ADHD
- Symptom Test: Detecting Sensory Processing Disorder in Children
- Read: A Parent’s Guide to Mealtime with Selective Eaters
This article’s content was adapted from the ADDitude Expert Webinar Got a Picky Eater? How to Overcome Unhealthy Eating Challenges in Children with SPD and ADHD [podcast episode #355]
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Discover common eating patterns in toddlers and explore solutions to encourage healthy eating habits.
Reasons why your toddler is refusing to eat
• Fear of new experiences peaks around 18 months
• Children are sensitive to changes
• Slower growth rates affect appetite
• Toddlerhood signifies asserting independence
• Distractions can disrupt meal times
• Teething and illness can impact appetite
What to do if your toddler won’t eat
• Engage toddlers in meal planning and preparation
• Serve smaller portions for easier consumption
• Avoid pressuring toddlers to finish all food on their plate
• Utilize divided plates with familiar and new foods
• Ensure varied meals
TODDLER NOT EATING FAQS
Is it normal for toddlers to refuse food?
Toddlers may cycle through periods of picky eating or food rejection. Seek guidance if concerns arise.
When should I be concerned about my toddler’s eating habits?
Monitor food preferences and weight changes for potential worries.
What factors contribute to poor appetite in toddlers?
Anemia and low iron levels can impact a toddler’s appetite. Seek medical advice if needed.
Pressuring a child to eat can have unintended consequences. Understand your child’s eating habits and avoid coercive tactics.
- Bribery – Using rewards to encourage finishing meals
- Punishments – Withholding desired activities until the meal is finished
- Force-feeding – Physically forcing a child to eat
Implementing these methods can lead to negative associations with food, aversion, and overeating tendencies in the future.
Why is it bad to pressure or strongly encourage a child to eat?
Parents may pressure children to eat due to health concerns or to prevent food wastage. Portion sizes may sometimes be excessive, resulting in unfinished meals and misinterpretations of a child’s appetite.
Pressuring children to eat can reduce enjoyment of food and disrupt fullness cues, potentially leading to overeating. Studies indicate that larger portions can cause children to consume 30% more.
Providing adequate portion sizes and allowing children to eat based on hunger cues can prevent overeating and weight gain.
What should I do instead?
Children are generally adept at recognizing their hunger and fullness signals, so respecting their cues is crucial. Acknowledging their food preferences, even if they reject certain foods, is essential for positive meal experiences.
Things to try
- Assess the situation
Consider factors like the child’s previous mealtime, overall health, and fatigue levels before pressuring them to eat. Keeping a food journal can help track eating patterns and identify underlying issues.
For instance, a suitable strawberry portion for a two-year-old might be equivalent to three large strawberries.
Find guidance on appropriate toddler portion sizes here.
The Child Feeding Guide draws on expertise from UK universities to promote healthy eating habits and positive family meal interactions.
Our research, conducted as part of the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, aims to enhance public health through evidence-based approaches.