What are Feeding difficulties?
Feeding difficulties is a broad term used to describe feeding and mealtime behaviours that are challenging for a child, adolescent or family. The behaviours below may indicate feeding difficulties that require intervention and support available through Headstart.
- eating a reduced variety/range of foods but can manage/handle some new foods
- requiring foods to be cooked or presented in a certain way in order to accept it
- refusing to eat new foods
- will not eat or go near any unfamiliar foods
- leaving the table during mealtimes, and/or will not eat at table
- trouble chewing and manipulating food in mouth
Some of these behaviours are part of a child’s typical development. However, when a child presents with a significant number of these behaviours, over a prolonged period of time, they may be considered to have feeding difficulties.
How to manage feeding difficulties?
Headstart uses the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach to feeding therapy to work towards reducing these difficulties for children, adolescents and families.
For more information please click on the link below.