SPECIAL LEARNING · FOR FAMILIES

When your child eats only a few foods

Mealtimes can feel difficult when a child accepts a narrow range of foods. One useful first step is to notice the foods and textures they do accept and write them down. Bring your observations to your child's doctor if you have concerns.

What does food selectivity mean?

In this recorded discussion, Gabe Valley describes food selectivity in terms of preferences for food types, textures or a limited variety. The recording can help you put words to what you are seeing; it cannot diagnose your child.

Watch the recorded discussion on YouTube

When to ask for help

If you are concerned about your child's eating, or notice coughing or gagging during meals, speak with their doctor. You can ask whether an evaluation with a speech-language pathologist who specializes in feeding and swallowing would help.

Read more from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: Mealtime struggles and when to seek support.