The term “feeding difficulties” is broad, and the severity and complexity of specific difficulties can vary tremendously based on each child’s individual needs. Feeding difficulties can manifest as refusal, selectivity, or low intake of food. The causes are multifactorial, spanning behavioral and underlying biological/medical conditions. Some of the challenges that lead to feeding difficulties in children include–
- sensory processing problems
- poor attachment
- difficulty coordinating suck/swallow
- poor suction
- selective eating
- restricted food intake
- tongue tie
- oral-motor impairments that can lead to aspiration and fear of choking.
The identification of feeding difficulties in young children is hampered by the lack of a globally accepted definition or system for classifying those difficulties. However, screening for and identifying feeding difficulties in children at the appropriate developmental stages is critical to providing support and early intervention that can result in better nutritional and socioemotional outcomes for children and their families.
Use the resources in this section to help identify feeding difficulties and better understand their causes and effects and strengthen support to children in need.
We found 25 resource(s)
Online Course: Introduction to Nutrition and Feeding for Children
eLearning published by SPOON in
This course provides an introduction to the topics of nutrition, feeding, and healthy growth for infants, young children, and children with disabilities.
Nutrition Integration for the Children with Special Needs: A Facilitator’s Guide for Food Security, Nutrition, Livelihoods and Disability Inclusion Project Staffs
Training Material published by LEARN Project in
This training supports the integration of disability inclusion into nutrition programming by providing information on the nutritional concerns of children with disabilities.
Feeding Matters Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire
Assessment Tool published by Feeding Matters in
This questionnaire is an age-specific tool designed to identify potential feeding concerns and facilitate discussion with all members of the child’s health care team.
Revised 2020 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Guideline/Guidance published by Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) can use these standards for self-evaluation to assure competent practice and to determine education and training needs for advancement to a higher practice level.
Count Me In: Count Me In is SPOON's mHealth App to Promote Nutrition and Safe Feeding for Vulnerable Children
Brief published by SPOON in
This brief provides an overview of SPOON's Count Me In application, which enables caregivers to screen for and treat nutrition and feeding problems.
Holt International's Feeding and Positioning Manual: Guidelines for Working with Babies and Children
Training Material published by Holt International in
This manual is intended to support the caregivers of infants and children with information on safe feeding practices.
Working with Children with Developmental Disabilities and their Caregivers: A Training Programme for Non-Specialists in Low Resource Settings
Training Material published by Multi-Agency International Training Support (MAITS) in
This training equips staff with an overview of childhood disabilities; an understanding of how to use daily activities to promote health, development, and well-being; and the skills to use the MAITS Guide for Parents.
MAITS Working with Infants with Feeding Difficulties Training Package
Training Material published by Multi-Agency International Training Support (MAITS) in
This training program is designed to improve the knowledge and skills of health care professionals to support breastfeeding and nutrition in infants struggling to feed due to prematurity, low birthweight, or underlying disability.
