Understanding Your Picky Eater

Understanding Your Picky Eater

written by Dr. Liz Matheis, published on Psychology Today

As mothers, we can bear multiple children from the same womb, yet each is so different. Let’s take eating, for example.

I have three children with three very different preferences and aversions right from the start; just because one child enjoys certain foods, another one may find the smells, appearance, and textures of that very same food offensive, “gross,” or even vomit-inducing.

For our children with sensory issues, anxiety, or autistic spectrum disorder, the main concern is a very narrow menu with an emphasis on carbohydrates. For example, the top contenders tend to be macaroni and cheese, pizza, chicken nuggets, pasta with sauce or butter, goldfish, etc. The aspects of food that can turn a child away from certain foods or food categories can be taste, color, smell, and texture.

Many parents become highly concerned that their child is not gaining the proper nutrition needed for brain and body development. It also creates a high level of tension when the food of choice is not available. Families are restricted in where they can eat out of their home, which creates stress and resentment by other siblings. It also creates stressful mealtimes, fighting, and difficulty eating a meal together as a family unit.

Dana Blumberg, an occupational therapist in Livingston, NJ, starts by asking the parent to create a list of all the foods that a child will eat. Most parents share that their child will eat the same food repeatedly and then stop. They become bored and switch to another food they consume repeatedly, and the cycle repeats.

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"The various psycho-educational testing Dr. Liz conducted on our son gave us critical clues about where his learning strengths and weaknesses lie so that his needs could be better addressed at home and school. Moreover, because of their warm, kindhearted personalities, both Dr. Liz and her associate, Stephanie, formed an immediate bond with my son. He eagerly looks forward to his weekly therapy sessions. We are so lucky Dr. Liz came into our family's lives when she did! For stressed-out families trying to help their children as best they can, she is a calming voice of reason!"
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