When I get a referral for an older kid with feeding problems, parents almost always tell me that they’ve been telling their pediatrician about this for years. Unfortunately, these families often hear things like “they’ll grow out of it” or “they’ll eat when they’re hungry”. Sometimes physicians will say that the child’s growth curve or weight gain is okay, so they aren’t worried. But when your child fits the criteria for pediatric feeding disorder, these things are not true.
In my own practice, I have had 7- and 8-year-olds come into clinic where they eat 10 foods or less, and pocket foods until they vomit. Typically, these kids have been doing this for years before their pediatricians refer them. Fortunately, I have also had pediatricians who are great about catching the signs of pediatric feeding disorders early and send those kids for therapy right away.
Unfortunately, pediatricians are undereducated on pediatric feeding disorders and don’t always know when they should refer for feeding therapy. Sometimes, they might have heard from colleagues or older models of education that children will grow out of “picky” eating, or that children will eat when they’re hungry. Pediatric feeding disorder is a relatively new diagnosis as well (it came out in 2021), so your pediatrician may not be familiar with it.
Because of this, “family members often find themselves serving as lead advocate for their child with a pediatric feeding disorder.”
Feeding Matters
Below, I give you 3 tips to jump start these conversations with your child’s doctor. You can also access a free, printable handout version here.
How to talk to your doctor about feeding therapy
- Be respectful and confident
- Remind your doctor how long you’ve been concerned about your child’s eating patterns
- If they suggest trying something and then coming back, remind them of all the strategies you’ve already tried without success
- Bring evidence
- I highly recommend taking the Feeding Matters Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire ahead of time. Then, you can bring a printed copy of your child’s score and problem areas
- Remind your doctor that only about 1/2 of children will grow out of their feeding problems
- If they’re still not hearing you…
- Stay calm and kind – remember that they likely are not well educated on the topic
- Ask if they’ll agree to a screening by a feeding therapist. Screenings are less intensive than an evaluation, and oftentimes do not require a referral
- Ultimately, you can switch providers if needed, but ideally this is your last resort unless you’ve been feeling this way for some time
Remember, you know your child best!
If you have a client or friend that could use these tips, you can access a free, printable version of them here.
