Meal Times with 16 month old

by Cindy
(Pennsylvania, USA)

Hello everyone- I'm a mom of a 16 month old who I believe may have SPD. My son weighed 10 lbs 1oz when he was born. During the time at the hospital, I tried to breastfeed my son but he would have problem in latching on. The nurses and doctors said he was fine that not every baby gets it the first time. Well months passed and he never did.

His pediatrician states he was fine and doing great until his 6 months. He stopped in wanting to try purees and stopped holding his spoon by himself. Then I noticed he would get scared with loud noises such as motorcycles, kids screaming, chair moving, basket ball hoop rattling and would make him cry. He never put toys in his mouth.

During his 6 month appointment, his pediatrician recommended me in calling early intervention and I was able to get an OT. He is not as scared with noises anymore, he i still funny about textures but seems to tolerate them better. He doesn't say any words only mama, but he seems to know what I say. I've been teaching him colors and will point and likes for me to read books. He is also obsessed with balls and any toys with lights and music. He likes to play with the wooden toy that has beads you move on the wires. (Can't think of the name of the toy)

My issues now are the self-feeding part, having him chew his food thoroughly and eat solids.He is slowly starting to eat mashed up foods but still no solids (occasionally he'll throw up the food because he will only swallow) Also, he only babbles but will not sound out any words. I even noticed he likes to twirl in circles and at times may walk tip-toed.

The pediatrician have recommended me in having him evaluated for spd and autism but when I called they stated he was still too young to be evaluated and tested and I should wait until he is 5. It's been a challenge as I am a first time mom and it's hard to take him out to restaurant, parties or other people's homes because he won't eat and will only eat what I feed him at home. Also, it's hard to tell people and just explain what is wrong.

There are times where I feel like I am not good mom that maybe I did something wrong. It's hard.