Others have a severely restricted diet or eat only a few foods. Researchers believe as many as 25 percent of children experience some kind of feeding problem during infancy or early childhood. It often arises from a combination of factors. Eating becomes associated with a painful or unpleasant sensation and children develop an aversion to food. The feeding problems can persist long after the original problem has resolved or been treated.
Proper nutrition is necessary for normal growth and development.
A child who refuses to eat or eats a very limited selection of foods is at risk for malnutrition, growth retardation, delayed development, intellectual impairment, and poor social development. Children who refuse to eat don t feel hungry, despite a lack of nourishment. So, in severe cases, feeding problems can lead to death. Treating Feeding Problems in Children Treatment of childhood feeding problems requires a team approach with a pediatrician, child psychologist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and a dietitian or nutritionist working closely with the child and family. The therapy progresses in very slow, purposeful steps.