Selective Feeding Disorder
Most children may refuse certain foods during their growth and development and may even be quite picky at times. However, for some children this may become more prolonged and restrictive. Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterised by individuals wanting to consume only certain types of foods and a limited number of foods. Although this condition is common in children, it can also occur in adults and can lead to developmental problems by affecting healthy eating patterns.
Selective eating disorder begins when an individual develops sensitivity to certain food characteristics such as taste, texture, smell or colour. Children usually prefer a few foods that they feel safe with and may reject other foods completely. Unlike other eating disorders, this is not about limiting the amount of food or calories. Rather, it is often associated with fear, anxiety or discomfort with the eating experience.
Such eating behaviours can make it difficult to get enough vitamins, minerals and protein, especially in growing children. Inadequate and unbalanced nutrition can lead to health problems such as retarded physical development, weakened immune systems or learning difficulties.
- Limited Food Preferences: A limited dietary habit is usually shown, usually only for a few specific food groups. Children may completely refuse some of the basic food groups such as vegetables, fruit or meat.
- Anxiety and Stress During Meals: Children with selective eating disorder may feel anxiety and stress when they encounter new or different foods. This can make mealtimes challenging for the family.
- Reduced Food Intake and Weight Loss: They may not get enough nutrients because they consume limited amounts of certain foods. This can lead to consequences such as weight loss or underweight for their age.
- Growth and Development Retardation: When children do not get enough vitamins, minerals and proteins, their growth rate may slow down, weak immune system and developmental delays may occur.
Various factors may underlie selective eating disorders. These factors include genetic predisposition, sensory sensitivities (e.g. taste, smell, texture), social environment and negative food experiences in childhood. In addition, negative emotional reactions during meals can lead to rejection of new foods.
- Encourage Introductions to New Foods: Take small steps to introduce new foods to children without forcing them. Try to attract their interest by introducing a different food each time with fun presentations.
- Be Positive and Patient: Putting pressure on children about food can make picky eating problems worse. It is important to adopt a positive approach to make them love eating.
- Support Routines: Regularising mealtimes can help children get used to a certain eating pattern. Also, eating meals with the family can make them more courageous.
- Set an Example: Children are greatly influenced by their parents' eating habits. Set an example by trying different foods and showing healthy eating habits.
- Consider Nutritional Supplements: If the child is severely deficient in nutrient intake, nutritional supplements can be used with the advice of a doctor. However, this may not be necessary in all cases and a specialist doctor's advice should be sought.
Dealing with children with selective eating disorders is a process that requires patience and understanding. Getting help from experts and a dietician can support children to establish a healthy diet. Early intervention contributes to children's acquisition of more balanced eating habits and healthy growth processes. In addition, it is of great importance that families are aware of this issue and support their children in this process.
Dealing with selective eating disorder can be challenging, but with the right approach, it is possible to teach children healthy eating habits. Children's acquisition of healthy eating habits has a positive effect on their physical and mental development.