What is Picky Eater and When is it a Problem?

I have had the fortunate experience of taking Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) trainings on picky eating. This program was designed by Kay A. Toomey, PhD who is at the Star Center in Denver, CO. Below is information about picky eaters which I have provided in presentations. Some of the information included was presented by Kay Toomey, PhD.

When people find out I work with children and feeding they often tell me about their child's eating habits. Parents are interested in seeing if what their child is displaying is considered a problem or not. It is my hope this information will be helpful to curious families. 

The ability to try and eat a variety of foods is like a continuum. At one end is a typical eater, then the picky eater and finally the resistant/problem eater. 

 Typical Eater: 

1. Eats a variety of foods (from all food groups and texture types)
2. Is interested in foods and likes eating
3. Tolerates the presence of new foods
4. Will try new foods
5. *Toddlers often experience a stage of “neophobia”-fear of new foods. Even with that occurring the above is usually maintained.

Picky eater: 

1. May have aversions to some foods but eventually eats a variety and maintains balanced diet over span of a day or 2
2. Usually eats at least one food from each texture group
3. Can tolerate the presence of new foods on their plate
4. Will usually touch or taste a new food

Resistant/Problem eater:

1. Limited food range of less than 15 to 20 foods
2. Refusal of one or more food groups (ex., often preferring carbohydrates)
3. Refusal of one or more texture type (ex., often preferring crunchy or soft foods, not both)
4. Tantrums or meal time battles over eating 
5. Preference for one flavor (often sweet or salty)
6. May or may not have difficulty gaining or maintaining body weight
7. May gag when trying new foods
8. May experience anxiety over the presence of new foods
9. May also be diagnosed with a developmental delay (Autism, Aspergers, PPD-NOS) 
10. May also have diagnosed or undiagnosed sensory processing disorder (SPD)
11. May also have (or have had in the past) difficulty with gastrointestinal issues, such as reflux
12. May also have (or have had) difficulty with chewing and/or swallowing

Using the above definitions a typical eater is just that-typical. No clinical intervention or significant changes at home are indicated. A picky eater  as described here can most likely benefit from modifications at home which may or may not need the assistance of a professional. A resistant/problem eater and their families would most likely benefit from clinical intervention with therapy and intervention in the home environment.