The child hypo-reacts with a weaker response to a specific sensation than expected. Low muscle tone in the body or mouth is often accompanied by a low reaction to sensory stimulation. High levels of some seizure medications can dull the senses, making it very difficult for a child to respond appropriately to sensory input. Some medications specifically reduce the child's awareness of taste, making all meals bland and boring. The child may refuse to eat or show little interest in food.
Some medications reduce the sense of hunger or cause nausea.
The child may refuse to eat or may eat very little. The child responds to sensory information in a very defensive way. This usually occurs when the brain does not discriminate or interpret the sensation well. The child responds to the sensory information by either fighting it or trying to get away from it. There are often many strong food likes and dislikes.