What is Food Refusal?

Food refusal refers to the set of behaviors that interfere with proper nutritional and/or caloric intake.  As many as 50 percent of children experience some degree of feeding difficulties.  There are many complicated medical, psychological, and behavioral factors that affect how and if a child will eat. Our program uses a behavioral approach to treating food refusal, therefore, it is important that all medial causes for food refusal are fully addressed before entering your child into our program.

Types of Food Refusal

Children typically refuse food in one or more of the ways listed below:

• Texture Specific.  Child will only consume a food at a specific texture (e.g. Child will only eat crunchy foods)
• Non-Acceptance of Solid Food.  Child will not accept any solid foods and is dependent on liquids. (e.g. A diet which consists primarily of Pediasure.)
• Food Selective.  Child will consume a limited variety of foods. (e.g. Child will only eat McDonald's chicken nuggets.)
  
• Low Volume Intake.  Child does not consume enough food to meet his caloric/nutritional needs. (e.g. Child will only eat some of their meal.)
  

Treatment through a Pediatric Behavior Feeding Program

According to scientific research, behavior analysis is the most effective approach to treating children with severe food refusal.  Applied behavior analysis helps us understand why your child does not eat and how to decrease their food refusal behaviors. Individualized treatment plans are developed based on the ongoing assessments of your child's eating behavior, scientifically proven treatment methods, and caregiver input.  Goals for each child are also established to clearly define how your child will be successful in our program.  

A primary goal of treatment is to improve your child's quality of life by getting them to EAT!  In order to do so, we must replace those problematic mealtime behaviors with appropriate mealtime behaviors, increase the consumption of new foods, and provide ongoing caregiver training. 

Getting Started

Over time, food refusal can have serious consequences, including failure to thrive, developmental delays, behavioral problems, and a strain on family relationships.  If your child displays severe food refusal and you are worried about it affecting their health, then call us today to schedule a consultation. Phone: 786-571-5726 Email: deal.priscilla@gmail.com

9415 SW 72nd Street, Suite #101

                       Miami, Fl, 33173

                            305-662-6448