Picky Eater vs Feeding Disorder

Written By esther Verbovszky

Comparing signs & symptoms of picky eating and feeding disorders

Picky Eating: Picky eating is common during childhood, affecting 25-33% of children. Toddlers find a sense of control in deciding what foods they will eat.

Symptoms:

• Strong preferences  

• Limited variety  

• Restricted number of tolerated foods  

• Avoiding new foods  

• Refusing ‘right’ amount of food  

• Requiring certain meals from parents  

• May eat differently in different settings

Feeding Disorder: Feeding disorders include severe and prolonged symptoms of picky eating.  They are often seen in children with a history of feeding problems (reflux, time  in NICU) and children with medical/developmental disorders.

Symptoms:

• Losing/not gaining weight  

• Frequent gagging/vomiting while eating  

• Crying/extreme distress during meal times  

• Difficulty chewing foods that are texturally appropriate for age  • Taking longer than 30 minutes to finish meals/snacks  

• Refusing foods of certain types/textures



esther Verbovszky
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