Many infants are born with feeding and swallowing difficulties. There are also many different kinds of feeding and swallowing problems that affect babies. Sometimes a child has a feeding problem and that is all. Most times the problem is caused by something else such as a genetic syndrome. Whatever the cause there are treatments out there that can help teach your child eat properly.
Instructions
1. Treat children who have PICA. PICA is a eating disorder where children eat inedible objects. This is extremely harmful and has led to many deaths. Work with a dietitian who knows and understands PICA. When your child wants to eat something other than food, have food handy that you can offer them instead. You will have to remove all dangerous objects from your house that can be swallowed . A behavior specialist can also work with you and your child to treat this disorder.
2. Treat rumination disorder. This disorder is when a child spits out and re-chews their food or regurgitates their food. It isn't common. To treat this disorder you must see a pediatrician and a dietitian to make sure your child is getting proper vitamins and minerals. Supplements may need to be used. Treatment often relies on a comprehensive behavioral modification plan. This plan will be implemented by a behavior specialist and followed by the parents. Children will also need to be stimulated more so that their attention is distracted from food.
3. Treat feeding disorders of infancy & early childhood. This is the most common type of childhood eating disorders and it occurs when a child does not eat properly and does not maintain the nutrition her body needs. The clinical diagnosis usually is called "Failure to thrive". To treat "Failure to thrive" you must be consulting a dietician and a behavior specialist who can develop a behavior modification plan for you to follow at home. If children do not follow the plan and do not continue to gain weight or stay healthy then they may need to be treated with a G-tube.
4. Treat children who have trouble chewing and swallowing. This type of problem requires an occupational therapist. It also requires seeing a specialist in feeding and swallowing issues. She will create a plan for you and take you step by step with what need to be accomplished first. For instance, she may have you place a piece of food in the side of your child's mouth directly on his teeth. She may have you do this with each bite of food for days, weeks, or months until your child learns it. Then your child may move on to the next step. Follow the doctors plans.
Tags: your child, behavior specialist, feeding swallowing, children have, Failure thrive