A child with a feeding disorder is more than a picky eater. Children with feeding disorders often have had serious medical and developmental issues that led them to fear some or all foods. He or she may have a few "safe" foods but will panic when asked to eat any other foods. Other children with feeding disorders may not eat anything. Often times when presented with food, children with feeding disorders will engage in refusal behaviors (crying, screaming, pushing away the spoon, etc.). Many children with feeding disorders have struggled with weight gain, may have nutritional deficits, rely on formula for nutrition, or have a feeding tube. Children who are transitioning from a feeding tube have challenges adjusting to eating orally. Some may need to learn how to chew and swallow step-by-step.
C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital is one of only a few hospitals in the country to offer an interdisciplinary approach in the treatment of feeding disorders. Using an evidenced-based treatment approach, the professionals at Mott work with children and their families to overcome feeding disorders and embark on a healthy life. Additionally, the Interdisciplinary Pediatric Feeding Program (IPFP) has secured grant funding to develop an innovative, comprehensive and interdisciplinary Infant Feeding Program focused on preventing feeding disorders from developing in infants who are born prematurely or have medical conditions after birth.