Picky Eater

Information taken from Advance Healthcare Network

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A PICKY EATER?

Many children are picky eaters.  A child who is a picky eater is selective about the foods he / she eats and will have “picky” behaviors about food.  Children who are considered to be “picky eaters” may begin to eat only a few types of food which may eventually progress to a feeding disorder

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A PICKY EATER?

• Consumes a limited number of foods (usually around 30)
• Foods may be suddenly eliminated but are typically acquired back into a child’s diet
• Selectivity of foods
• May only eat foods if they are camouflaged in other foods or liquids
• Will typically eat a new food when exposed to it several times

OUR APPROACH AT KEY THERAPIES:

We will work on increasing acceptance of different foods and textures, building mealtime structure, and creating feeding expectations for children.  Food chaining may be utilized to help children eat a wider variety of foods.