Understanding Feeding Disorders
This term is often used in younger children who have difficulty with feeding. This can be because they have developed an aversion to certain foods, have not yet developed feeding skills that are appropriate for their age or they have an underlying gastrointestinal disorder that is preventing them from swallowing properly.
Young Children
Feeding disorders are most commonly seen in younger children who have difficulty with feeding for various reasons.
Food Aversion
Children may develop an aversion to certain foods, making feeding challenging and stressful for families.
Developmental Skills
Some children have not yet developed feeding skills that are appropriate for their age, requiring specialised intervention.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Underlying gastrointestinal disorders may prevent children from swallowing properly, requiring medical evaluation.
Young Children
Primary focus
Multiple Causes
Various factors
Types of Feeding Disorders
Understanding the different types of feeding disorders helps guide appropriate evaluation and treatment strategies.
Food Aversion
Developed dislike for certain foods
Developmental Delays
Age-inappropriate feeding skills
GI Disorders
Underlying medical conditions
Common Symptoms
Recognizing the signs of feeding disorders helps determine when specialised evaluation is needed.
Food Refusal
Consistent refusal to eat certain foods or entire food groups.
Mealtime Struggles
Prolonged mealtimes, tantrums, or avoidance behaviors during feeding.
Poor Weight Gain
Inadequate weight gain or growth due to insufficient food intake.
Texture Sensitivities
Refusal of foods based on texture, consistency, or appearance.
Gagging or Choking
Frequent gagging, choking, or coughing during eating.
Limited Food Variety
Very restricted diet with only a few accepted foods.
Treatment Approaches
Personalised treatment strategies based on the specific cause and type of feeding disorder.
Behavioral Therapy
Addressing food aversions and developing positive feeding experiences.
Occupational Therapy
Improving feeding skills and motor coordination for age-appropriate eating.
Medical Treatment
Addressing underlying gastrointestinal conditions that affect feeding.
When to Seek Help for Feeding Problems
Early intervention is key for feeding disorders. Seek specialist evaluation if your child:
- ✓Takes more than 30 minutes to complete a feed
- ✓Drops below the 3rd centile or crosses two centile lines downwards
- ✓Arches their back, cries, or seems distressed during feeds
- ✓Chokes, gags, or splutters frequently during eating or drinking
- ✓Refuses the bottle or breast after appearing hungry
- ✓Has a very limited range of accepted foods affecting nutrition
- ✓Shows extreme anxiety or distress around mealtimes
- ✓Has a known condition such as prematurity, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy affecting feeding
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
- →Detailed feeding, developmental, and medical history
- →Growth chart and weight gain trajectory review
- →Observation of feeding technique if applicable
- →Assessment for oral-motor difficulties
- →Investigation for underlying reflux, allergies, or structural issues
- →Coordinated management with speech therapist, dietitian, and occupational therapist as needed
- →Formula recommendations and feeding schedule optimisation
Referral & Medicare: A current GP or paediatrician referral is required for Medicare rebates. Please bring any feeding diaries or prior assessments.