Is it possible for a child to not be able to chew?

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Is it possible for a child to not be able to chew?

by Suzanne
(Australia)

Hi

My 3 year old daughter has verbal apraxia (though with ProEfa fish oil she is talking clearly in 3 words or more sentences) and a hypersensitive gag reflex with a seemingly inability to chew. She only eats mashed foods and yogurt.

The meals have to be given to her in a high chair with some form of distraction such as the TV or crafts. As soon as she is aware that I am spoon feeding her she says "yucky don't like it" however when I quickly up the distraction she happily opens her mouth to eat. She won't feed herself the mashed meals or yogurt as she doesn't like food touching her skin or clothes.

My daughter doesn't have any other sensitivities really, she doesn't mind tooth brushing. She just hates food and has never chewed. I have never seen chewing motion. Her speech therapist says she will eventually chew as she has never seen a child not chew. However, I can't see it happening and will probably have to feed her until she is old enough to will herself to do it herself. I don't even mind the mashed food eating as everything can be mashed, she is good at swallowing smooth foods. It's just the avoidance and fear of feeding herself that is the problem.

Is it possible to physically not have the motor oral skills to chew? Can a person not be wired up properly to be able to chew? The speech pathologist says she has never seen it.

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Is it possible for a child to not be able to chew?

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Jul 02, 2010
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Nordic Naturals ProEfa fish oil helps speech as clinically tested.
by: Anonymous

Dear Dr Hans Breauer. Not that speech is the concern of my post, however my daughter Bella also has Verbal Dyspraxia and I have supplemented her with Nordic Naturals ProEfa Omega supplement as the American Speech Association suggests to help my daughter with neuronal processing of speech. The combination of fish oil and borage oil is important as clinical studies have found ratios to be very significant. My daughter has overcome her Verbal Dyspraxia and her speech pathologist id astounded. The fish oil and Borage oil complex helps the neurons to communicate and rewire better. I ran out of the oil recently and Bella began stuttering more than usual. I got her on it again and then increased her dose and it is almost gone. I am doing this all under clinical supervision of my speech pathologist and it is a nutritional substance that works. Perhaps you could research the topic to become more better informed and clinically accurate. It is an area that does not need any scientific inaccuracies. Regards Suzanne

Jul 01, 2010
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speech and chewing in babies and toddlers
by: Dr Hans Breauer

I have just read the last comments from mr nottoli-I believe that their is no such thing as
speech nutrients and that speech is developed by
talking to and encouraging children to respond
with sounds-this guy is just trying to make a fast buck with a nonsense remedy

dr Hans Breauer

Mar 03, 2010
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Hello. Update on Bella and some comments to people's questions.
by: Anonymous

Most children can chew but this is why some don't want to.

To begin with, there is a largely genetic food phobia called 'Neophobia' of food which translates as a phobia of eating new foods. Neophobia of food is 78% genetic and 22% social. There is a strong genetic drive to reject food and only eat foods that are deemed safe. Obviously, this leads to a limited diet as the child takes so long to try new foods that as they get older a comfort zone of food develops which the child just won't move out of. In order to get passed this, the child has to work through psychological phobia techniques. Emotional maturity is needed for this. So there is an issue of emotional maturity and a strong will to want to get over the food phobia that can be lacking.

Second category is called 'selective eating disorder' which is a phobia that is not genetically based but brought on by bad experiences such as gagging on food etc. Again phobia techniques need to be used to get passed the fear.

Lastly there is the physically disorder of "sensory processing disorder" where the child can't co-ordinate chewing, gag reflex etc.

As an example Bella has inherited Neophobia of food, as both sides of my husbands family have it!! Bella also had some sensory issues with an overreactive gag reflex. Bella learned that food was dangerous and didn't want to touch food, let alone eat it. So Bella ended up being fed pureed foods which she deemed safe.

The problems left are now concerning phobias. We do phobia work on other non food phobias to prime her. We have a sticker present system with her yogurt. Yogurt is a favorite food, but Bella is now used to me feeding her and won't do it herself. after every tub of yogurt she eats by herself, she gets a sticker and after five stickers gets a present of her choosing. Let me tell you, even with this incentive, sometimes dad has to put on his firm voice to get her to eat the tub by herself. We then tell her how brave she was for doing something that was scary and that she is a brave girl. we also discuss how sometimes when we think something is bad or scary etc it turns out not to be. Of course the child has to be o.k with even being around food for this to work. Some kids with Neophobia of food can't even sit next to a banana without gagging or Hyperventilating.

The SOS food therapy program offered at many American health centres is the best to treat any food issue. It uses a evidence based holistic approach to food problems and is a model that is tailored to each family. Just google SOS food therapy.

Please google "eataholics' or f'reaky eaters' and you will get onto a BBC site that has a documentary series on adults who have food phobias like our children and they have a nutritionist and psychologist to help them through and they eventually eat normally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can view the series on the site.

If anyone would like to contact me I'm at zsuzs@ncable.net.au.

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Mar 03, 2010
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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Most children can chew but this is why some don't want to. To begin with, there is a largely genetic food phobia called 'Neophobia' of food which translates as a phobia of eating new foods. Neophobia of food is 78% genetic and 22% social. There is a strong genetic drive to reject food and only eat foods that are deemed safe. Obviously, this leads to a limited diet as the child takes so long to try new foods that as they get older a comfort zone of food develops which the child just won't move out of. In order to get passed this, the child has to work through psychological phobia techniques. Emotional maturity is needed for this. So there is an issue of emotional maturity and a strong will to want to get over the food phobia that can be lacking. Second category is called 'selective eating disorder' which is a phobia that is not genetically based but brought on by bad experiences such as gagging on food etc. Again phobia techniques need to be used to get passed the fear. Lastly there is the physically disorder of "sensory processing disorder" where the child can't co-ordinate chewing, gag reflex etc. As an example Bella has inherited Neophobia of food, as both sides of my husbands family have it!! Bella also had some sensory issues with an overreactive gag reflex. Bella learned that food was dangerous and didn't want to touch food, let alone eat it. So Bella ended up being fed pureed foods which she deemed safe. The problems left are now concerning phobias. We do phobia work on other non food phobias to prime her. We have a sticker present system with her yogurt. Yogurt is a favorite food, but Bella is now used to me feeding her and won't do it herself. after every tub of yogurt she eats by herself, she gets a sticker and after five stickers gets a present of her choosing. Let me tell you, even with this incentive, sometimes dad has to put on his firm voice to get her to eat the tub by herself. We then tell her how brave she was for doing something that was scary and that she is a brave girl. we also discuss how sometimes when we think something is bad or scary etc it turns out not to be. Of course the child has to be o.k with even being around food for this to work. Some kids with Neophobia of food can't even sit next to a banana without gagging or Hyperventilating. The SOS food therapy program offered at many American health centres is the best to treat any food issue. It uses a evidence based holistic approach to food problems and is a model that is tailored to each family. Just google SOS food therapy. Please google "eataholics' or f'reaky eaters' and you will get onto a BBC site that has a documentary series on adults who have food phobias like our children and they have a nutritionist and psychologist to help them through and they eventually eat normally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can view the series on the site. If anyone would like to contact me I'm at zsuzs@ncable.net.au.

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Jan 26, 2010
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Won't chew
by: Anonymous

I have a three-and-a-half year old son. He CANNOT chew. He doesn't know how to move things around in his mouth, and seems to have an active gag reflex. He has been top an occupational therapist ...
I suspect that he has some sensory issues which was exacerbated by an active gag reflex and recurring bouts of tonsillitis which caused vomiting and unfortunately the antibiotics also caused vomiting.
I tried distracting him when he eats, promising rewards, removing something he likes, but nothing worked, He would rather refuse something he wants or give up something he likes than eat.

He would NEVER feed himself, and I couldnt force the issue since it was like asking a child to inflict pain upon himself. He was not being naughty or willfull: He merely found eating a psychologically and physically painful experience.
He hates anything new: new textures, colours, taste ... He doesn't like ANY FOODS expect milk . formula. I have continued giving him some milk as this was the ONLY positive eating experience he had, I also add vitamins and omega oils to the milk. I even have to "wean" him off formula by diluting it with conventional cow's milk.

Recently, I have gone on maternity leave, and have used this time to teach him to bite into things like banana and bread dipped in milk. The fact that he is older and can understand has helped tremendously. I explain over and over again why and how he has to eat, and I use examples of things (like pedaling his bike) that he couldn't do at first but now enjoy as motivation.
There was constant vomiting, but I didn't give up. I have taught him to feed himself, and forced him t o eat yoghurt, so he is able to have that as a snack at (yesterday was his first day ) preschool. He always wanted to attend preschool but couldn't due to the eating problem. I have alerted the teacher to the problem, am concerned that he will vomit and be teased at school. On the other hand, I hope seeing other children eat5 will be a motivating factor, so i do not want to pack his mashed food. he loves routine and i don't want to start another set of problems by giving him the impression that it is ok to have special food at school.

I have made progress (AND THERE WERE TREATS FROM BOTH OF US!) BUT i JUST DO NOT KNOW HOW TO TEACH HIM TO CHEW WITH HIS BACK TEETH. I have tried placing a large piece of banana in his mouth, but his instinct to "get rid" of the food by swallowing is so strong that the size did not deter him from trying. i am too afraid to try again: I do not want him to choke. I have explained why we chew and he understands, but seem unable to handle the food in his mouth long enough to chew. Please help. i want to get him to chew before my maternity leave ends ... and i want eating to become -if not pleasant - then at least tolerable for him.

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Jan 26, 2010
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Submitted by: Anonymous

Title

Comment
I have a three-and-a-half year old son. He CANNOT chew. He doesn't know how to move things around in his mouth, and seems to have an active gag reflex. He has been top an occupational therapist ... I suspect that he has some sensory issues which was exacerbated by an active gag reflex and recurring bouts of tonsillitis which caused vomiting and unfortunately the antibiotics also caused vomiting. I tried distracting him when he eats, promising rewards, removing something he likes, but nothing worked, He would rather refuse something he wants or give up something he likes than eat. He would NEVER feed himself, and I couldnt force the issue since it was like asking a child to inflict pain upon himself. He was not being naughty or willfull: He merely found eating a psychologically and physically painful experience. He hates anything new: new textures, colours, taste ... He doesn't like ANY FOODS expect milk . formula. I have continued giving him some milk as this was the ONLY positive eating experience he had, I also add vitamins and omega oils to the milk. I even have to "wean" him off formula by diluting it with conventional cow's milk. Recently, I have gone on maternity leave, and have used this time to teach him to bite into things like banana and bread dipped in milk. The fact that he is older and can understand has helped tremendously. I explain over and over again why and how he has to eat, and I use examples of things (like pedaling his bike) that he couldn't do at first but now enjoy as motivation. There was constant vomiting, but I didn't give up. I have taught him to feed himself, and forced him t o eat yoghurt, so he is able to have that as a snack at (yesterday was his first day ) preschool. He always wanted to attend preschool but couldn't due to the eating problem. I have alerted the teacher to the problem, am concerned that he will vomit and be teased at school. On the other hand, I hope seeing other children eat5 will be a motivating factor, so i do not want to pack his mashed food. he loves routine and i don't want to start another set of problems by giving him the impression that it is ok to have special food at school. I have made progress (AND THERE WERE TREATS FROM BOTH OF US!) BUT i JUST DO NOT KNOW HOW TO TEACH HIM TO CHEW WITH HIS BACK TEETH. I have tried placing a large piece of banana in his mouth, but his instinct to "get rid" of the food by swallowing is so strong that the size did not deter him from trying. i am too afraid to try again: I do not want him to choke. I have explained why we chew and he understands, but seem unable to handle the food in his mouth long enough to chew. Please help. i want to get him to chew before my maternity leave ends ... and i want eating to become -if not pleasant - then at least tolerable for him.

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Jan 20, 2010
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we need your help
by: mr and mrs adu gyamfi ghana

i have the same problem but in africa autism is not common. no doctor was able to tell us the problem with our kids until i went online.i wept the whole night because my kids were eating only milk and wheat.
is there any organisation that will help to send some drugs to us to take care of them?i am always thinking about them taking care of themselves when we are gone
please help by calling us on +233 244 251650
george and +233 244 581360 or email me adu2gyamfi@yahoo.co.uk

i hope to hear good news from you
thanks and God will surely rewards you

GHANA

Jul 01, 2009
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My daughter has the same problem!
by: Monique

Hi,
My daughter, Emma, has autism and also cannot chew. Everything has to be smooth and her diet consists mainly of yogurt, bananas, Gerber stage 2 foods, and Pediasure shakes. My heart goes out to you since I know what you are going through. Like you, I have to spoon feed Emma in a high chair with the TV on in order to distract her enough to eat sufficiently. I have been EVERYWHERE and have seen EVERY specialist about this. Based on my own research and consults, it is called "grading awareness." Your proprioceptive system is in charge of the input received to your muscles and joints.

In children with low muscle tone, they do not receive the input needed to grade what is going into their mouths. Think of what you feel like when you receive Novicaine. Afraid to chew, right? I think what happens is a fear develops because the child cannot sense the solid food and as a result all other skills, such as chewing, go out the window. I have made some gains with Emma by giving her cheese puffs. Cheese puffs dissolve in the mouth so after that initial rejection, the fear goes away and she can experiment with the item. I have also slowly (very slowly) started to add baby rice cereals into a yogurt/banana mixture, being careful to mix it thoroughly since one chunk and she's done. At least the mixture is getting thicker which allows her to move her mouth a little more productively.

Stay strong and keep doing anything you can to stimulate the nerves and muscles in and outside of her mouth to help develop the awareness your child needs.

I don't know if Emma will ever chew either. I hope so! Please feel free to email me at mcalello@yahoo.com if you need someone to connect with who is experiencing such a rare challenge with their child. I know I often feel very alone on this one, too.

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Jul 01, 2009
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Submitted by: Monique

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Hi, My daughter, Emma, has autism and also cannot chew. Everything has to be smooth and her diet consists mainly of yogurt, bananas, Gerber stage 2 foods, and Pediasure shakes. My heart goes out to you since I know what you are going through. Like you, I have to spoon feed Emma in a high chair with the TV on in order to distract her enough to eat sufficiently. I have been EVERYWHERE and have seen EVERY specialist about this. Based on my own research and consults, it is called "grading awareness." Your proprioceptive system is in charge of the input received to your muscles and joints. In children with low muscle tone, they do not receive the input needed to grade what is going into their mouths. Think of what you feel like when you receive Novicaine. Afraid to chew, right? I think what happens is a fear develops because the child cannot sense the solid food and as a result all other skills, such as chewing, go out the window. I have made some gains with Emma by giving her cheese puffs. Cheese puffs dissolve in the mouth so after that initial rejection, the fear goes away and she can experiment with the item. I have also slowly (very slowly) started to add baby rice cereals into a yogurt/banana mixture, being careful to mix it thoroughly since one chunk and she's done. At least the mixture is getting thicker which allows her to move her mouth a little more productively. Stay strong and keep doing anything you can to stimulate the nerves and muscles in and outside of her mouth to help develop the awareness your child needs. I don't know if Emma will ever chew either. I hope so! Please feel free to email me at mcalello@yahoo.com if you need someone to connect with who is experiencing such a rare challenge with their child. I know I often feel very alone on this one, too.

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Jun 30, 2009
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Chewing
by: Anonymous

Yes, it is possible. My suggestion, based upon experience, is to find a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) as quickly as possible.

Dec 11, 2008
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omega 3 based treatment for verbal apraxia
by: Mark Nottoli

I am the founder of SpeechNutrients, a Chicago-based research and development organization. Our firm recently licensed the patented SPEAK omega 3 + antioxidant formulation from a well-known Children's Hospital (learn more at www.SpeechTrial.com) after we became aware of the compelling evidence showing children improving in speech, motor skills and coordination.

We have received dozens of parental reports describing the astounding changes in their children (see: http://www.speechnutrients.com/testimonials_speech.aspx ) and read some of these moving stories:

"I started my son Joseph on speak 1 week ago. He takes 2 gel caps 3 times a day. I have noticed an improvement in his gross motor skills. His balance seems better and he motor plans quicker."
- Jacqueline C, NJ

"This has been a great supplement! My son has shown increased focus, imitation, attention, and speech."
- Kathryn B, CA

"Eric has shown improvements in his gross motor skills since starting 'speak'. Eric has hypotonia and has always struggled with balance and coordination. Lately Eric seems much steadier on his feet and he is wanting to climb on everything and recently discovered he can pull himself onto our couch. I honestly cannot turn my back on him for one split second anymore, and it's wonderful! Eric has also recently started moving both feet at a rapid pace as if he's dancing. In addition, Eric has never waved on his own initiative before. Two weeks ago he waved on his own on two separate occasions (back-to-back days). While I haven't seen it happen again, I know it's in there!"
- Sarah W, MI

Parents with children facing these challenges may receive a complimentary supply of SPEAK by answering questions at the following link: http://www.speechnutrients.com/register-freebox.aspx and paying the shipping & handling charges.

If I can answer any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the number shown below.

Be well,

Mark

Mark A. NOTTOLI
Managing Director
SpeechNutrients
250 E. Deerpath
Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA
telephone direct: 1 847 582 1313 fax: 1 847 234 5545
email: mark@nlppp.com
SpeechNutrients: www.SpeechNutrients.com
NourishLife: www.NourishLifePPP.com
PharmaOmega: www.PharmaOmega.com

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Dec 11, 2008
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Submitted by: Mark Nottoli

Title

Comment
I am the founder of SpeechNutrients, a Chicago-based research and development organization. Our firm recently licensed the patented SPEAK omega 3 + antioxidant formulation from a well-known Children's Hospital (learn more at www.SpeechTrial.com) after we became aware of the compelling evidence showing children improving in speech, motor skills and coordination. We have received dozens of parental reports describing the astounding changes in their children (see: http://www.speechnutrients.com/testimonials_speech.aspx ) and read some of these moving stories: "I started my son Joseph on speak 1 week ago. He takes 2 gel caps 3 times a day. I have noticed an improvement in his gross motor skills. His balance seems better and he motor plans quicker." - Jacqueline C, NJ "This has been a great supplement! My son has shown increased focus, imitation, attention, and speech." - Kathryn B, CA "Eric has shown improvements in his gross motor skills since starting 'speak'. Eric has hypotonia and has always struggled with balance and coordination. Lately Eric seems much steadier on his feet and he is wanting to climb on everything and recently discovered he can pull himself onto our couch. I honestly cannot turn my back on him for one split second anymore, and it's wonderful! Eric has also recently started moving both feet at a rapid pace as if he's dancing. In addition, Eric has never waved on his own initiative before. Two weeks ago he waved on his own on two separate occasions (back-to-back days). While I haven't seen it happen again, I know it's in there!" - Sarah W, MI Parents with children facing these challenges may receive a complimentary supply of SPEAK by answering questions at the following link: http://www.speechnutrients.com/register-freebox.aspx and paying the shipping & handling charges. If I can answer any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the number shown below. Be well, Mark Mark A. NOTTOLI Managing Director SpeechNutrients 250 E. Deerpath Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA telephone direct: 1 847 582 1313 fax: 1 847 234 5545 email: mark@nlppp.com SpeechNutrients: www.SpeechNutrients.com NourishLife: www.NourishLifePPP.com PharmaOmega: www.PharmaOmega.com

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Is it possible for a child to not be able to chew?

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Is it possible for a child to not be able to chew?