If your child is refusing to eat or only choosing to eat a very limited amount of food or drink, or they are exhibiting behaviors during meal time that are inappropriate for their age? Your child could have pediatric dysphagia.

Feeding disorders in children include difficulty gathering food, as well as getting ready to chew, suck, or swallow it. For example, your child may have a feeding disorder if he/she is unable to pick up food and get it to their mouth, or cannot completely close their lips to keep food from falling out.

If your child has pediatric dysphagia, s/he may be at risk for:

• dehydration or poor nutrition
• aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway) or penetration
• pneumonia or repeated upper respiratory infections that can lead to chronic lung disease
• embarrassment or isolation in social situations involving eating