I am reading a wonderful book right now called Just Take A Bite: Easy, Effective Answers to Food Aversions and Eating Challenges. It describes Clara's behavior toward eating perfectly. Thus, I would like to share some of what I have learned so far.
Clara is a 'resistant eater.'
According to the authors (Dr. Lori Ernsperger and Tania Stegen-Hanson), Resistant eaters often exhibit one of more of the following:
1. Limited food selection. Total of 10-15 foods or less.
2. Limited food groups. Refuses one or more food groups.
3. Anxiety and/or tantrums when presented with new foods. Gag or become ill when presented with new foods.
4. Experiencing food jags. Require one or more foods be present at every meal prepared in the same manner.
5. Diagnosed with a developmental delay such as Autism, Asperger's Syndrome or Pervasive Developmental Disorders-Not Otherwise Specified. May also have a diagnosis of mental retardation.
Fortunately, Clara has not been diagnosed with a developmental delay. However, she exhibits all the other characteristics of a resistant eater. Oh, the stories I could share with you about her limited food selection, limited food groups, food jags, and gagging! I will save those for another day.
The foreward to this book is compelling. Temple Granding states that:
The authors attack many of the myths that surround eating, beginning with the idea that eating is a simple process. In fact, they contend and offer substantial proof that it's an incredibly complex process. They also dispel the "cultural myths" which surround food, one example being that parents are not doing their job well if their child doesn't eat "properly" or "clean his plate." Another is that problem eaters are "just being difficult," as if they're in a power struggle, when they often have underlying oral-motor delay or sensory integration dysfunction, allergies, or any number of other possible problems not yet identified. Some of the myths are actually life threatening, such as "If children are hungry enough, they will eat." Not so of some problem eathers, say the authors. The eating myths function as roadblocks to solving many problem eaters' selectivity and expanding their exposure to new foods.
Furthermore:
Providing support and assistance for resistant eaters is important for a variety of reasons. First, resistant eaters can permanently impair their long-term growth. Children identified as resistant eaters often have a low percentile for weight and height. Second, a lack of an adequate, balanced diet can interfere with a child's ability to learn properly and, therefore, progress academically. Thus, without sound nutrition and adequate vitamin intake, resistant eaters are limiting their potential in the classroom. Third, for some resistant eaters starvation and hospitalization can occur. Although most people believe children will "eat when they are hungry," a small percentage of them will not eat, which eventually may lead to hospitalization for malnutrition and starvation. Lastly, problems with eating can impact a child's socialization and self-esteem. Eating and socialization are closely connected. Eating is an important socialization skill and builds a sense of belonging. Many cultures, including the United States, include eating as part of their holidays and celebrations with family and peers. Resistant eaters are often isolated from their families during mealtimes and may not fit into their mealtime environments. Problems with eating is a serious issue that requires a comprehensive multisensory treatment approach.
Sorry for my book report tonight. I was compelled to share this because I found it to be informative and relevant to our situation with Clara. She is definitely a resistant eater.
Thank goodness there are feeding programs available (like the one at Mary Free Bed) for kids like Clara. She will begin her feeding therapy some time this fall. We are supposed to go three times a week for three months. We can't wait to get started.
In the meantime, we will continue doing our "messy play" activities. So far, we have learned that Clara loves to play with play dough, but she will not finger paint, play with sand, sit in the grass, make clay, or help make a messy dessert (thank you to Grandma Connie for trying this one).
Recently, she refused to eat an m&m candy because it had cool whip on it. She pushed it away and said, "ocky!"
Thank goodness we are starting feeding therapy soon.
