Feeding your child is an integral part of parenthood. From the moment your child first enters the world, they rely on you for their nutrition and growth, but what happens when feeding your child does not go as planned? Due to a variety of factors, more than 1 in 37 children under the age of 5 in the U.S. are diagnosed with Pediatric Feeding Disorder annually, and up to 80% of children diagnosed with developmental disabilities have co-occurring feeding concerns.
Pediatric Feeding Disorder is defined as: “Impaired oral intake that is not age-appropriate, and is associated with medical, nutritional and/or psychosocial dysfunction” (Goday et al., 2019).
Key Features of Pediatric Feeding Disorder:
- Medical Dysfunction
Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux, cardiac issues, or prematurity-related complications. - Nutritional Dysfunction
Malnutrition, nutrient deficiencies, or dependence on nutritional supplements/tube feedings. - Feeding Skill Dysfunction
Difficulties with chewing, swallowing (dysphagia), or using utensils appropriately. - Psychosocial Dysfunction
Negative behaviors or interactions around meals, such as severe food refusal, caregiver-child conflict, or trauma related to feeding.
A nationwide study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that more than 1 in 37 children under age 5 in the U.S. are diagnosed with PFD annually. The rate of PDF increases dramatically when a child is diagnosed with other developmental disabilities.
How can a Speech Language Pathologist help?
Speech language pathologists play a central role in feeding therapy. An SLP’s expertise in the anatomy and physiology of swallowing and communication allows them to identify and treat feeding and swallowing disorders in infants and children. SLPs who provide services for feeding and swallowing disorders can assess a child’s oral-motor functioning, swallow function, developmental readiness for feeding, and identify behavioral and/or sensory concerns that may be impeding a child’s ability to eat.
Feeding therapy is highly individualized based on a child’s and families needs and can include: strategies and techniques to improve safe swallowing and chewing, texture/consistency progression, desensitization and mealtime structuring. SLPs also work closely with other medical professionals, including: occupational therapists, dieticians, medical professionals, psychologists and parents/caregivers to ensure that all aspects of the disorder are being addressed.
If you are concerned about any aspects of your child’s feeding or swallowing skills, we are here to help!
Written by Krista Nolen, MA, CCC-SLP
