Most children try to guide the feeder by communicating their needs and wants at mealtimes.
They will use the movements and actions of the body that are easiest or most familiar. This may include the spitting of food, knocking food off a table, taking food from another child, pushing the head back, or coughing and choking. Many of these activities can occur as the child tries to communicate. Because they are not comfortable for the feeder, they are often described as negative behaviors, and the child is restrained or punished. When communication signals are ignored or misinterpreted repeatedly, some children give up and tune out as they move toward a pattern of learned helplessness.