The term "feeding disorder" refers to a condition in which an infant or child is unable or refuses to eat, or has difficulty eating, which can result in frequent illnesses, failure to grow normally and even death. Feeding disorders should not be confused with eating disorders such as anorexia, which are more common in adolescence and adulthood. Some common types of feeding disorders in children include adipsia, which is the absence of thirst or the desire to drink; dysphagia, a real or imagined difficulty in swallowing; food refusal; inability to self-feed; taking too long to eat; choking, gagging or vomiting when eating; inappropriate mealtime behavior; and picky eating according to food type and texture.

The causes of feeding disorders are varied in nature. A disorder can be a result of a medical condition, digestive issues, motor-based difficulties and/or a sensory-based feeding disorder. A medically based feeding disorder is diagnosed by a physician. Motor-based and sensory-based feeding disorders will be diagnosed by an occupational therapist or speech-language pathologist.

Treatment is dependent upon the basis of the feeding disorder. The team for medical treatment can include a pediatrician, gastroenterologist, nutritionist, behavioral psychologist, occupational therapist and speech-language pathologist.

When a child has a motor-based or sensory-based feeding disorder, an extensive assessment and  therapeutic plan will need to be provided by the attending therapist. A physician may or may not be involved with this type of feeding disorder.

• Constipation
• Excessive crying
• Excessive sleepiness (lethargy)
  
• Poor weight gain
• Irritability 
• Weight loss
  

Laboratory and imaging studies may be used to complete the medical workup but often are normal in children with growth problems.

• Videofluroscopy (an X-ray procedure done to evaluate the swallowing function)
• Feeding plan by an occupational therapist or speech therapist outlining specific goals and objectives
• Feeding therapy and home program
• Increase the number of calories and amount of fluid intake
• Correct any vitamin or mineral deficiencies
• Identify and correct any underlying physical illnesses or psychosocial problems