Son will not chew

by Zane
(Australia)

My 3 year old son will not chew his food at all and therefore can only eat semi or pureed food. He can be a very difficult and demanding child but also very loving, caring and helpful. He seems to be very intelligent and learns very quickly but chooses to deliberately give the wrong answers to questions. He was a late talker but seems to be on par with other children his age now.His doctor says he has "behavioural issues" because he can certainly be "naughty" when he chooses to be.

The chewing really worries me because every occupational,speech and health specialist we have seen look at us blankly or with disbelief when we explain his chewing problem. He had severe reflux from birth and would violently bring up almost everything he ate. This problem has largely been controlled with medication. He was diagnosed at 10 months with hypermelanosis of ito which has now been ruled out and with autism at 2years old which has also now been ruled out. These incorrect diagnosis' have caused us endless sleepless nights and anxiety.

Are there any professionals out there who are not quick to put a label on a child and actually study all aspects of the child before making hasty life changing diagnosis'. He displays some of the symptoms of SPD but I can not find any help topics on his chewing problem.

Any suggestions on who can or how I can help him with his chewing?

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Oct 05, 2023
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3 year old not eat solids
by: Anonymous

My 3 year old son is not eating solids and not willing to use the spoon . Also he is not willing to eat individual purées rather than the mixed one. He wasn’t use tethers when he was small and still he is not putting things to his mouth. He cries when we are going to a doctors office too
Even though we are accessing to an occupational therapist , nothing has happened as it’s zoom sessions

Any thoughts moms
I’m so frustrated

Aug 06, 2023
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I thought I was alone
by: Sunni

Hello!
After reading these comments they have helped me a lot.

I thought I was alone with my son not being able to chew! My some is developmentally delayed / autistic/ mild cerebral palsy . He was a 25 weeker, and he had a grade 3 IVH when he was born. He is almost 6 now and I’m still puréeing his foods. He doesn’t like sweet things like juice he only cares to drink water, orange juice (occasionally) and his fav, pediasure.

Now his ultimate can’t live with out them food is gram crackers. But he only bites into them, then it dissolves and he swallows them very fast btw!
He has had a swallow study and passed so now it seems like it’s up to him. We also have completed the intensive feeding therapy here at the Marcus Autism institute in Atlanta . But he still will not chew.

My MIL likes to give him foods that are a little less puréed ( he dosent like it and he holds it in his mouth). But when he does swallow it , (something like rice mashed up ) it comes out in his poop whole and i don’t like that. My husband and I constantly introduce new ways to get him to chew. He has OT,Speech, and ABA therapy during the week. And we are starting to homeschool him .

But we are being the blame for him not wanting to chew from other older family members who have adult children and never had special needs kids either( me rolling my eyes). So my problem isn’t my son, it’s other people who have "general "educated children and not "special " educated children . And so, finding this page is giving me a sigh of relief to know we are not alone.

It will take time but my son is worth every second. So yes it’s overwhelming and I wish I could just give a slice of pizza or some chicken nuggs( whole) but we will continue to pray that things get better. Any questions or concerns email me

Sunnicrockett@yahoo.com

Jun 15, 2023
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Gut microbiome
by: Anonymous

I have son who is 3.5 years and still avoids solid foods and eats only pureed foods. He has speech delay and doesn't know to use a straw..all of these comes under oral motor delay it seems. I had checked him for autism and he doesn't seem to fit the spectrum. However in the couple of months, after trying so many techniques and diets,I did some tests and came to know that he was deficient in so many vitamins,minerals and especially b vitamins.

I after recently consulting my pediatrician, have added the deficient vitamins and minerals and enrolled him in swimming classes. He is doing so good in the past couple of days..started to talk and started trying new textures though still a long way to go to eat like his peers..but there is definitely a great difference.

Good luck to all the parents who are trying their best.

Oct 09, 2022
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Chewing difficulties
by: Anonymous

I see alot of the post here are of the kids not masticating food. I have the same issue with my son. He is four and going on 5 and for fruits I have to puree it. He eat mashed up food so he can basically just swallow it. He tries to work with cookies but when pieces are big he has to roll it off the tongue. He is getting so used eating mashed for that this worry also get to me. He look to have a baby face even though he 4 and half as I guess he isn't using his muscle for chewing. He has low muscle tone and so didn't put anything in the mouth as baby. Still can't drink from straw or regular cup. Just posting for all mums here .

Aug 05, 2022
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Returning to post an update….
by: Suspear84

I’m coming back here to give you all an update. My son is now 7 & is finally open to chewing. After what feels like 100 feeding therapists, countless healthcare workers who didn’t know what they were doing - you know what ended up being the solution for us? We had to wait until he was ready & we could work and reason with him.

Shortly after he turned 7 he was open to putting different textures in his mouth. Is he eating a whole slice of pizza now? No. But he is able to get through a whole cookie. He breaks everything up into small pieces, puts it on his molar ridge & has a mirror in front of him which REALLY helps so he can see where the food is.

I know you’re losing sleep if you’re here reading this. The chewing will happen in time. Try to practice every day even if it’s just 5 mins a day. Make it fun, casual & not stressful. By doing this you will help them to desensitize any sensory issues that may be contributing to their lack of interest in eating. If you’re worried about something physically being wrong get them evaluated by a dentist and request a swallow study (ask your Pediatrician).

If it’s not a physical issue this can be fixed with practice and patience :) suspear84@yahoo.com if you need to talk.

Mar 10, 2022
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2.5 years old not eating any solid food
by: Harpreet

Hello
My 2.5 years old son can’t chew or showing any interest in any food

Ot pt coming every week to interact with him because of this reason

Just drinking milk and pediasure everyday .

Feb 28, 2022
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My son eats everything now
by: Anonymous

I also posted here some 8-9 years ago I think, and I still get updates whenever someone posts. I wanted to comment one last time:

My daughter started chewing at 2 yo (which is also late) and my son started chewing at 4 yo! They were only eating finely pureed foods until then.

My son is 11 now. He still eats slowly and doesn't like some textures, but both of my kids eat everything (and by that I mean everything, like they eat every cuisine for example). I would say, things started improving after my son was 4. We had taken him to an occupational therapist when he was 18-24 mo, where he was diagnosed with sensory integration disorder and infantile anorexia.

I must admit, I didn't agree with most of the therapist's recommendations (Don't force him; let him eat whenever he wants; she said I could let him go hungry for 4 days!! Give him Pediasure if worried that he is not getting enough nutrition etc). Every kid is different of course. But for some, I just wanted to let parents know that, you may just need to be patient (I know it is very inconvenient to have an older kid that still can't chew!). But things may eventually improve for you as well. Good luck.

Feb 25, 2022
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Kids not chewing -parent experience summary
by: Anonymous

Almost 5 years back I was frustrated about my child's chewing issue and I added a comment here with my email address. I still keep getting questions asking whether my child made any progress. I thought I will make a video and share my experience, even if it reduces the stress of one parent, its a win. Here is my youtube video link:
https://youtu.be/r7YA_Aj563Y

May 04, 2021
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Chewing problem
by: Anonymous

Hello there,

my 4 year old daughter was having the same issue since I started solid food for her. She could not chew and if I tried anything else than purée food she would gag and throw everything up , lord how we struggled. We took her to occupational therapist, speech therapies and we were even sent to asses her for autism.

Long story short , although she was diagnosed with level 2 autism , we don’t think the age is and we will be assessing her again. She does have sensory issues but otherwise smart, out going child. Any how, after trying everything, one day my husband bought chocolate chip cookies and at first she just licked them , in fact she licked everything and we let her do that she can get use to different tastes.

After couple of days of licking, she finally took a big bite and chewed. I was sooo excited , I cried, and from than on I just keep offering her the cookies but keeping all other food the same(purée) but slow I introduced her to bread with butter and jam . It has been 5 months now , and now she can eat Everything but still having trouble with pasta and meats, which we we slowly working on it .My advice keep offering them food, even it is not the healthiest, and relax cause if you are stressed than they will freak out and not try. I hope our story helps .

Apr 29, 2021
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Son will not chew
by: Anonymous

My son I 3 years and won't chew his food any help pls

Mar 03, 2021
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Son not chewing
by: Sann

My son was not chewing since the beginning and now he’s about to be 5 and still don’t chew and so I cook blended foods for him

He at the rise but I have to put a couple of rice on left or right side of his teeth and then he chew little sometimes and prefer to swallow
This all started as he was having a class 2 dairy allergy and I was unaware since 3 years and continuously giving him dairy and he was throwing out every single night, I asked the pediatrician for the allergy test and he ordered that and the results showed he was allergic to dairy and eggs so I stop all forms of dairy 12 months and he showed a lot of improvement in speech and food chewing is getting better but still needs more time to come up to a level that he could bite cookies or some other harder food

Mar 03, 2021
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Sensory Issues
by: Daddy Spoon

It's seems we all have this issue in common. My Son is 3 years old, and I've been to the ENT, Speech Therapy, and behavioral therapy. They ruled out Autism at 2 (idk why this is a trend), and deemed his problem as behavioral. He has sensory issues as well. Automated lights sometimes gets him riled up, and he has been eating the same things most of his little life like Chef Boyardee & milk n cereal (Cereal has to be soggy and Chef Boyardee smashed etc). At one point he we always had to feed him, but with enough patients we were able to consistently get him to hold the spoon, which is a minor task every feeding. I believe its a sensory issue

Jan 10, 2021
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Here the same problem, but seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
by: Anonymous

My daughter had the same problem since birth. Many doctors or nutritionist, even family didn't understand her problem and somehow blamed about it. But at two years old, her odontologist sent her to speech and deglution therapy.

Basically, we had to train her with a baby toothbrush with empty stomach. Brushing her tongue 10 repetions 3 times a day, have her bite with molars the tooth brush progresively(5 times, then 7, then 10) 3 times a day each side, in order to teach her how to chew. There were some activities I can share with you to help you with this problem. My daughter is getting better. There' s still some things to learn, but she is chewing many things now.

Please e-mail me to:katarina.noctis@gmail.com

Dec 02, 2020
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5,5 year old son doesn’t chew
by: Anonymous

Hi mummies. I have a 5,5 years old don who doesn’t know how to chew. When he was a baby he had reflux and since then he was gagging. All the doctor said he will outgrow it but it never happened. He wend already to St Mary hospital in Queens for 6 months and no positive results. He has very strong sensory disorder and doesn’t even tolerate new taste. I blended for him 3 times home made smoothie plus a soup. He has even problem with touching new textures of food. He sees younger sibling eating everything and that doesn’t encourage him at all. I’m so exhausted of blended everything. Any suggestions, please e mail me mmakiola@yahoo.com

Oct 25, 2020
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What helped my 5 years old boy to chew
by: Anonymous

Hi moms of kids with chewing problem. I totally hear you as I have been in your shoes until just a couple of months. My son had been seeing Occupational therapist for more than a year and been to two clinics which did not help. Finally he was eligible for intensive feeding therapy at Kennedy Kreiger Institute in Baltimore, MD. He had intensive feeding therapy there in 8 weeks program. He would spend the whole day there where he gets occupational and speech and behavioral therapy. He is now much less pickier and able to chew foods very well. This problem is basically behavioral and can be corrected with proper therapies by the right OT and ST supported by behavioral psychologists.

I am not a professional on the field but kids keep avoiding solid foods for different reasons and they end up being unable to chew. My son's reason was most likely because he was very sensitive to what goes into his mouth. I waited for the enrollment for a year but it was worth it. I hope this will help.

Sep 23, 2020
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Age 5 still not chewing
by: Suzanne

My child is now 5...almost 5 1/2. He still doesn’t chew. Everything is puréed. I have to spoonfeed him everything.

No one can help me. Drs look at me puzzled.

Sep 23, 2020
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Chewing issue
by: Anonymous

Have any of you all got help with the chewing issues here ? I have a similar issue with my 4 year old he swallows pretty much everything and so if the pieces are big will chock . I have to semi mash all his food and give he was a late talker and Austin’s was ruled out at the age of 2 . This is been ongoing no OT can help as they do nothing much that we are already doing .

May 11, 2020
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5 year 6 months does not chew
by: Anonymous

Hi Moms,
I am also a mom going through the challenges of a 5 year old son who does not chew...but since I am an Indian our foods are more or less wholesome...like I mashed the rice and lentil and grated veggies with spices accordingly and he eats but chews after it's been swallowed.

I am working on his day by day...he drink his own milk, milk shakes and juices but does not feed independently on his own at all...he is not malnourished as his food is full of rich nutrients like nuts and dry fruits, fresh fruits juices and shakes made fresh at home, every now and then I give him beets juice, celery juice and carrots juice as well...

He talks well not talkative as much I want him to...since this pandemic situation the behavior is regressing due to overwhelming digital usuage, I am trying to curb the usage as much as I can but it's stressing me out as he does not let me eat, sleep or use bathroom or to make phone calls...he follow protocols yet need a prompting...I am now totally worried and as a mom do not know what I can do about these problems, it's also affecting my health in every ways.

Suggestions welcome!

-keenobserver28@gmail.com

Apr 17, 2020
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Chewing food
by: Anonymous

My 7yr old grandson can chew chocolate bicuits and certain crisps but mostly his food has to be pureed for him to swallow it. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Dec 15, 2019
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Autistic 3 year old
by: Anonymous

My son can eat crunchy things that break apart relatively easy with saliva but he cant swallow things unless they are complete mush. so i find him chewing on this for so long and just spitting it out. His grapes have to be peel he wont swallow the skin of a grape.

He has a hard time with fibrous fruits and vegetables and meat. He enjoys apple sauce, baked beans, oatmeal, farina, dry cereal, spaghetti, canned mandarins which are peeled, french fries and other cookies and muffins. I notice that he always tries my pizza crust but not the pizza because he gags on the cheese. I feel bad because he's actually interested in other foods.

He pretends to eat fruits and vegetables like play eating but he wont actually eat it because he's scared about choking.

Dec 07, 2019
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5 years old
by: Anonymous

Until about 3 weeks ago my 5 yo daughter only drank milk (with supplemental toddler formula mix) from bottle. She does not hold bottle, cup, spoon or anything else). She has never chewed, just swallows. However, she now only drinks kids strawberry smoothies, which we have to give her with a syringe. She drinks about 4 smoothies every 2 to 3.5 hours. We are mixing vitamins with her smoothies, but we need to figure out how to give her other foods in the future.

We had her in Sensory Processing therapy but medical plan didn’t cover it and we ran out of resources to pay $140 an hr. I had to leave work to take her to therapy and be with her at home. We just started OT so let’s see what happens.

Any tip would help. My email address is
l.betancourt77@gmail.com

Sep 17, 2019
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Nearly 5 y.o. with DS not chewing
by: Kristin

So I'm simply commenting to be able to connect with others.

My daughter will be five in December 2019 and does not eat solids either. The closest we get is she will suck on a Cheeto - well mostly licks it.
She is getting tired of purees and we are worried.

Furthermore, during a particularly stressful hospital visit, she simply stopped drinking bottles. We have to mix her liquids in with her purees. She won't drink out of a cup either. We try to spoon liquids, but that's usually a battle too. She has Down syndrome, and up until the last year or so, I thought that was part of it - her global developmental delay and I just figured she'd grow out of it. Nope. Seeing everyone's posts makes me feel a little better, but also really frustrated because my poor daughter has enough to deal with.

We've been in feeding therapy for about 5 months, and now her insurance won't approve more without results from a dysphagiagram (even though we've done one before....) since she has a "healthy BMI." It's ridiculous. She is ORANGE from all the orange foods we puree. Legit she has beta-kerotinosis. People ask if she has jaundice. It's insane.

We do the z-vibe and we have tried flavored tongue depressors just to de-sensitize her, but she is quite a stubborn girl. Guess we just have to keep at it. She does love ice cream, so sparked from someone's tip below, I'm going to try freezing ice cream in a straw and let her work that out. We'll see how it goes!

Anyway, I really appreciate everyone's tips and I'd love to connect with anyone who wants to discuss ideas!

kgibson9183@gmail.com

Aug 12, 2019
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Same!
by: Anonymous

This sounds exactly like my son!!!! We were also labeled and undiagnosed with ASD and SPD and CP I have not a clue what’s going on. Hopefully we both find some answers. I have him in about 20 hours a week of different therapies hoping something works. Good luck I feel your pain, know your struggle and am ready to celebrate any success in your future!!

Aug 08, 2019
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Try this!
by: The little applesauce guy

Same problem here, but I might have an idea. My son is 3 years old and is behind in everything, he has a rare genetic disorder that doctors don't even know anything about. He doesn't chew either, but he LOVES applesauce!

First he only ate pureed foods, I blended up his supper with the hand blender so there wouldn't be any chucks. He will eat it with tons of applesauce. Instant oatmeal is ok too, if it's 50/50 applesauce. We tried tiny pieces of bread with applesauce, he first choked on it, but we kept trying, every single day.

Now he is self feeding himself sandwiches with almond butter and applesauce(!!) Pieces are as big as 1.5x1.5 cm now and he LOVES eating bread. We are working on fish right now, like tilapia and salmon, but it's going very very slowly, he still doesn't chew but he will munch on it until its soft enough to swallow (or he spits it out, yes its messy but who cares, its worth it).

So I would say, find a food that your child LOVES and stick it on all different kinda textures and keep trying it for at least 30 min a day. We are going to try therapy also, starting next week.

Aug 07, 2019
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3 year old not chew
by: suny

My son will turn 3in August still don’t chew.He get the feeding therapy since 1 year but still he gags on solid foods.only eat baby cereal,yogurt,peanut butter and some milk.The feeding therapist introduce him with a chewing tube and he usually bite the chewing tube but don’t chew food.He understands that he couldn’t tolerate the solid food.

When he was a little baby he never pick things from the floor to put in mouth may b that’s y he was unable learn the chewing process.he vomits most on solid foods.i don’t wanna send him to special school just because of this problem.

Please suggest something I can do

Jun 29, 2019
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Son dont chew
by: Sunny

My son don't chew at all just takes baby cereal yogurt and milk. Any suggestions on what can I do?

Apr 03, 2019
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MY son doesn't chew either
by: ilona

Hi everyone!

My 2,5 yr old son does not want to chew either. He's keep biting on bread, rolls and everything else he finds attractive enough to taste and he actually wants to eat (he's saying it) but has no clue why those tiny teeth are in his mouth.

We have tried everything and out of new ideas. We are getting sick of the comments and advises of speech therapists, developmental pediatricians and so on who are always so quick to label our son as a mentally retarded or autistic or any kind of handicapped person but have no real idea what is going on. He had his chewing toys, it was easy to spoon feed him as well, introduction to baby food started to become a problem when tiny pieces of food was introduced to him around 8 months. He was (and still is!) gagging even for the sight of the pieces of food, if we get it into his mouth - even when he bites off a piece of bread - he removes them with his hand or spits them out. He cannot even tolerate crumbs in his mouth.

He is very smart for his age, counts 1-20 in two languages, knows the alphabet back and forth, names of animals, colors, geometrical shapes and so on.

Has anybody an idea what we could do, how to teach him to chew???? Is chewing not an instinct humans born with? Like when a newborn can be breastfed???

Anyway we are desperate. Want to take a step further from biting and spitting out food to chew and swallow.

Thank you for any ideas and replies!

Apr 03, 2019
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4 Year Old Doesnt Chew
by: Anonymous

Hi Mummies,

I am going through the same problem. My son 4 year old doesnt chew and eat, only swallow. He never feed himself, he will eat himself if he watching cartoons, He is a delayed speaker.

Till 2 year old he never called me Mama. After that slowly started with few words and now he talks with few sentences. Im super worrried on him, i get complaints from his nursery about this issues ans some on his behaviours as well.

But at home with me he is perfect, he interacts more with me and listens to mostly of what i say. Recently we put him in school KG1 and the teacher already started complaining on this. I am not sure what to do, please i was wondering if we all can be under some group in FB or whatsapp and support each other and update their kids progressives stories. Please let me know. My details are below, feel free to be in touch.

suganyahere@gmail.com
FB: Suki Sath

Mar 19, 2019
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Daughter doesnt chew much
by: Anonymous

Hello all, we have faced the same,problem with our daughter who had severe acid reflux since birth. And she doesn't chew her food even now. Once we started solids around 9months, this is what we did

9months-1.5yr.- rice flour, lebtils flour,boiled in water with little salt, ghee and before serving lil lemon juice. She was of good weight. Along with her formula

1.5-2.8yr- i keep washed and soaked quinoa in water in refrigerator. Saute some finely chopped veggies, add 1-2 tsp quinoa,u can add some spices,herbs for taste and i pressure cook for many whistles. Its like puree but still has texture. With lots of protein fiber, iron, mg. U can doo same with rice.

This march24th she will,turn 4 but still,doesn't chew and doesn't eat by herself.i give her fluffy omelettes,idlis,rotis, trying diff foods.she doesn't eat sweet stuff, it has to be savory. I give her some,easy to bite snacks she bites and soak it in her mouth n swallow.

Doc says put her on therapy but its just she hasn't been around any other kid. This dec she saw my niece eating and she started showing interest in eating. I show her kids eating foods on youtube.

I hope this helps.

Feb 14, 2019
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Never chewed or bite
by: Dennis.

We have a 32 month old grandson who has never, not once chewed or bitten food of any kind.. He lives totally on baby formula infant, and some baby food , very little. There is nothing we have not tried, and food therapist absolutely do not work at all, but love to sell us chew toys.

What we have is a sensory problem. When anything of texture hits his tongue he will start to gag and put his hand down his throat to get it out and will vomit 5 to 7 times a day since food has been introduced back at 12 month old.

No autism at all, can count to 25, knows all acb’s on site , and every color. Very good attention spans and talks like crazy, and will lick and thing like all get out from Potatoe chip, to pretzels Cheerios to bananas.

We are in serious trouble and need help. There are 2 other toddlers in Toledo Ohio who are the same...

We need help

Feb 01, 2019
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My 5yr old still don’t chew food
by: Anonymous

I have a 5 year old with spinabbifada and hydrocyphylus he drinks a pediasure everyday to help compensate not eating a variety of foods he has seen a specialist for 5 years and still no break through it could’ve chair malformation but hoping one day uenoutgrows this not chewing issue everything is usually cold and purée

Dec 08, 2018
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Lip & tongue tie
by: J Yelton

My 2 year old spent the first 2 years of his life with his pediatrician trying to put him on the autism spectrum due to only eating puree foods and not talking and hating cold foods.

We did start with early intervention at a year old but I truly believe he was lip and tongue tied. So September I took him to a different pediatric dentist to find out he was severely lip tied and tongue tied. He spent the first 2 years finding ways to make his mouth work because of being miss diagnosed.

He still has trouble with foods. A lot of behavioral issues I am not sure how to combat because he still doesn't attempt to chew anything and foods he is unsure about he just down right refuses.

He is now talking more then he ever has and as of this week took his first sips out of a straw which he was never able to do.

Dec 07, 2018
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Reply to Zane
by: Susan

I would take your son to a behavioral doctor. I think that’s what you’re looking for! It’s called a "developmental Peditrician" they are a great resource for this issue.

Dec 07, 2018
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There is hope!
by: Susan

We’re having a breakthrough!!!! If you’re like me and you read through all of these comments, you’ll see I desperately posted a while ago looking for answers for my child who wouldn’t eat solid foods. So many posts with questions - hardly any answers.

I’m going to share with you what we’ve been doing. I’m posting it here to see if it can help others. (*I’m not a therapist, my son was in feeding and OT for a year but nothing helped...why? Because it wasn’t every day! CONSISTENCY IS KEY!!!)

Here’s what I’ve done with my toddler. Each step was done for a few hours a day for 3 weeks straight - I’ll say it again -consistency is key):

1) Started playing games with food at his toys.

2) Then rewards for touching food with his hands. I didn’t care if he picked up crackers and put them from one side of the plate to the other. I didn’t care if he fed me my own food with his hands. The whole point is to be more tactile! (A reward for him was stickers and new little trains)

3) Then touching the food to his chin. Then working to his lips (asked him to give the food a kiss!) then to touch the food with his tongue but I never asked him to chew or swallow.

4) Then we worked to a chew and spitting out- this I found was key!! Showing him that if you just feel the food in your mouth he might find a taste he likes - plus it builds up a texture tolerance. This is the step we are on now.

The trick is to have your child so engaged and even laughing (because the child will swallow and laugh) - the food will have been chewed and gone.

5) The last step is for the child to do on his own. Make it silly!!! (DON’T reward for swallowing because you don’t want them to fixate on that).

I cannot stress enough how slow this process is. But slow is ok!!!! Slow is good for them. Rushing through steps won’t help at all. Don’t move on until your child has successfully completed the step without stress.

Try this and see if it helps! It’s really working for my 3 1/2 yr old.

Suzanne
Suspear84@yahoo.com
If you want to email with me I believe we should support each other through this hard to navigate issue.

Nov 09, 2018
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Almost 5 and won't chew and losing interest in eating
by: Anonymous

My daughter is 5 in Feb and she doesn't chew food. It's puree or very soft lumps which she just swallows.

This has been an issue for a while now. She was never interested in food started finger foods late and by the time she was about 18months she stopped eating solids all together. Just had bottles with formula.

Just before she turned 4 or just after she stopped bottles which allowed us give her more foods.

We have seen specialists and they All just look and Have no idea what to do.

We got into the early intervention program which got her into SOS program. It helped with her sensory issues and now doesn't mind getting dirty and tasting and licking foods. But still won't eat or chew foods.

We tried introducing her to one of those mesh bags. With food in it to get her to practice and exercise those muscles. But she hates anything in Her mouth like that.

She is forever gagging or choking on food, even the soft puree foods.

Just recently she is starting to not eat the foods she normally does. I. Think this is because she's bored with it and just over it, but we can't give her anything else.

She's starting to lose weight and am worried she is going to end. Up needing to be tube fed.

This has been a stressful time and has effected eating times with my new baby who is almost 1...

Oct 27, 2018
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Also have a child that doesn't chew
by: chew chew the panda

So happy to find this thread. I have a 5 year old that is still on purees and a night bottle. We are trying to help him learn to eat. We have been to different feeding sessions but haven't found them helpful. One hospital reduced his milk intake to stimulate the desire to eat, this had no impact and he refused to eat which is scary territory when you are worried about weight gain and brain and body function.

We have also tried the SOS program but this isn't suitable IMO for a child that needs to learn to bite, chew, move tongue and swallow. He isn't diet restricted as we can pretty much blend up anything and he will accept it being spoon fed to him. This is what I have found helpful but we still haven't cracked it yet.

1. Adding texture to puree e.g. crushed coco pops, mashed baked beans.

2. Ark Therapeutic - grabber for chewing practice, the soft yellow one is excellent. He can now sit and watch TV and happily chew away. I think this is good for building up muscles in the jaw.

3. Daily chew practice for 20 minutes - we call it crumb time and it can be banana, dissolvable hoops etc. We sit together and break/cut into small pieces and then try to chew. This is tough, a lot of refusal, gagging but we persevere.

4. Daily straw practice - to stimulate the mouth muscles we have a straw in the milk in the morning to help him suck and also to vary how he access liquids.

5. We also do infrequent z-vibe face and tongue stimulation and also gum massage.

6. Also heard about chew tubes or using straws filled with something, haven't tried this but I'm thinking about it. Also read about chew bags, not sure it would be appropriate but something to think about.

BTW Like the OP's son, he suffered with severe reflux from birth and also vomits regularly even now but no medication as it made no difference.

Oct 11, 2018
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4 Year old doesn’t chew
by: Carla

Hi All, I have the same problem. I have a 4 year old daughter that doesn’t chew, just purée. We did a feeding evaluation when she was 2 and were told that she will eventually chew. Now here we are at 4 years old and still on the same boat. She does have a developmental delay. She talked late.

She is now starting to say 3 to 4 word sentences. Has been receiving speech and ot since almost 2 but nothing helps with the chewing. Her new speech therapist told me it is a sensory disorder and she will outgrow it. Her pediatrician just recommended a feeding re-evaluation, let’s see how it goes.

If anyone has any answers please email me carla9888@hotmail.com.

Oct 10, 2018
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Hello below
by: Anonymous

Hello to the person who just commented about her daughter - my son is 3 and a few months - still not chewing. Been to specialists and therapy - no one has answers. They all believe it’s behavioral at this point - he’ll do it when he’s ready/wants to do it.

I will update the board if anything changes.

Oct 10, 2018
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Almost 3yo still wont chew
by: Emily

Hello.
My daughter will be 3 in march, and has the same issues as all your comments. She will only eat mashed/lumpy/pureed food off a spoon, she will not feed herself, will not drink water, only formula out of the bottle.

Has anyone's child started to eat yet?

weve seen dr's, pediatric specialists, and seeing a feeding specialist with no improvement.

Aug 24, 2018
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Same
by: Anonymous

My son is exactly the same as the lady below me. He is 20 months old and can not chew. He will only eat super smooth instant mashed potatoes and vanilla pudding. If I dare give him anything with texture he will immediately gag and throw it up. He is also still on a bottle and will not drink from a sippy.

I have searched the web for months trying to find some other children like mine, and have found absolutely NOTHING until I just discovered this site. Its makes me at ease just to know that there is at least one other child like mine.

He also seems to have a developmental delay we are currently in the process of a autism evaluation. He sees a ot/ feeding therapist once weekly. They are confident that one day he will eat solids.

Aug 22, 2018
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Same problem
by: Anonymous

My 3 year old will not chew or swallow. Will only eat banana baby foods and milk. Been seeing therapists and drs since 18 months. With no real results.

Diagnosed with sensory disorder and reflux with prevacid prescribed. No new results from prevacid being consumed either. Anytime a chunk is introduced in his mouth he gags and will spit it out.

He will not drink out of anything other than a bottle and only milk. No juice water or anything.

I am begging for any kind of help or suggestions other than denying my child the only things he is willing to consume. As this is his only way of nutrients.

Thank you.

Jul 27, 2018
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To the woman who just posted...
by: SMS

I have a 3 yr old with the same exact issue and I could have written what you did. We have the EXACT same problem. Can I ask what 2 foods he kinda chews?

Jul 27, 2018
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4.5 year old will not chew
by: Emily

My 4.5 year old son chews two foods, kind of, and absolutely will not feed himself. "He will eat when he is hungry", they said... but after the 4th day of literally zero food I couldn't let this continue.

He is 100% normal physically and mentally. Not one person we work with (doctors, therapists, psych) can figure this out.

Will he ever grow out of this? There are literally no rewards or punishments that make him eat. They do not exist.

I would love to hear from someone who has overcome such a problem. Is there hope?

May 06, 2018
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My son doesn’t use his teeth to chew his food.
by: Victoria Ramirez Diaz

My son will be 4 in September. We adopted him 7 months ago. He used his tongue and the roof of his mouth to chew softer foods. When eating an apple or anything of this texture he chews, otherwise it’s always his tongue. I’ve tried everything.

Jan 17, 2018
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Tongue tied can’t chew
by: Angie

My son did. KT chee until his 15th year. We took him to feeding therapy (behavioral) didn’t work. This year we found he had a tongue restriction.. tongue tied. We had the release done by a. Dentist.. he then had to learn how to use his tongue and how to chew.

The therapist we have used chew tools to strengthen, Lilly pops to use tongue and to move the lollipop from one side to the other and then we started out with soft foods, now he is eating chicken and crackers bread..

check his mouth to see if he can’t use his tongue and maybe he is restricted.. his cheeks could be as well..

Oct 05, 2017
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3 years old son not chewed anything till now, I am so worried..
by: Jyo

I found this page while googling in search of exactly the same problem like you all.. till now I use to think my son is the only one who is not chewing any food till this age and I was very much disappointed and frustrated as the people around are saying that they have never come across such kid who is not chewing till this age.

My son only swallow the purée food and it has to be very creamy in texture.. he likes to drink milk that to in bottles. He is intelligent and does not have any physical problem. Doctors are saying he has behaviour problem and he is controlling us as he wants.

I don't understand what to do and how to teach him to chew as chewing is the natural process kids learn themselves..

Please suggest.. jyotitamse@gmail.com

Sep 09, 2017
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2yr3m son won't chew
by: Sms

Has everyone looked at the other thread? Titled: Is it possible for a child to not be able to chew? There's some helpful tips on there.

I'm son is 2yr 3m we've been taking him to OT and Speech/feeding therapy for 6 months. It seems like they want to work on everything BUT chewing.

One therapist recently told me "this isn't just a phase. Something is wrong here." Well you know what? I know my child much better than her! She only sees him 90 mins/week and quite frankly brings out the worst in him bc she wants to "rock his world."

My son is smart, loving, enjoys his toys and the company of other children. He's normal in every other way. A typical 2 yr old. He will bring a cracker up to his mouth, suck on it and put it down. He will not chew food.

His diet is: baby oatmeal, fage yogurts, mashed sweet or regular potato - sometimes with pastina cooked well added in or a puréed vegetable.

I'm available to email with anyone who wants to start a support email group: suspear84@yahoo.com

Aug 18, 2017
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I'm in the same boat.
by: Amber

My son will be 4 in December and STILL will not bite or chew food. I have taken him to at least 5 doctors from California to Indiana and every doctor says he is fine. He is a healthy weight and height but the only reason he is "healthy" is because we give him the Gerber 3rd Stage food.

Besides the eating problems he is perfectly normal. I can't seem to get the doctors to listen to my concern and they don't care because he isn't losing weight.

I don't know what to do anymore!

Aug 14, 2017
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2YEARS - 3MONTHS NOT CHEWING
by: Anonymous

Hello Moms and Dads

Just like you I am also a troubled mom where my son of 2years and 3months doesnt chew. Everything has to pureed. The only stuff he swallows is oats. Soft things like banana or a boiled egg is also not chew-able. Please please help.

Aug 02, 2017
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I know the struggle
by: Brittney

I feel your pain. My son who is 3 also doesn't eat. I have him being seen by a feeding specialist and he will bite but as soon as a crumb gets to the back of his throat he gags and spits it out.

I even struggle with him eating pureed foods. He would much rather live off chocolate milk and white milk instead. I'm at wits end. I feel like giving up. At therapy he will bit and attempt to chew but at home he refuses.

I have tried all of the techniques they have applied and it's still the same, no eating or chewing.

Jul 27, 2017
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27 years old and had similar problems
by: Anonymous

Hello, I came across this trying to figure out why I do not like chewing pasta. As I suspected it's a lingering symptom from childhood.

I am a 27 year old female and cannot chew noodles. I can chew other things fine and am unaware if there used to be others I didn't like. I have mild ataxic hypotonic cerebral palsy. This was diagnosed around 3 years old. I had delayed speech, delayed gross and fine motor skills, and sensory processing problems.

I was in special education through the public school as a toddler where I saw an occupational therapist, speech therapist, and had sensory integration therapy.

I hope it helps you parents out there to know that I am fine. I work at a nationally known bakery, live on my own, have a great boyfriend, and see my life continuing to be pretty normal, albeit with a few quirks. i hope this come as a comfort.

I'm not sure if the mental health issues I have are related to the cerebral palsy and associated issues. I cried most of the time as a baby. Doctors have since said it was likely because of the sensory perception issues. I also had behavioral problems as a child but it was more that I had very extreme emotions. Incredibly happy or devastatingly upset. I had strange compulsions as well, I would line up toys in neat rows and yell at anyone who moved them. I am now diagnosed with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.

I really hope this helps some of you. Maybe ask about a cerebral palsy diagnosis. I've heard of it being mistakes for other things or finding out later in life.

Jul 19, 2017
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Son also does not know how to chew
by: Anonymous

Hello. I am reading all your posts and totally relate. My son is almost 2 and also does not KNOW how to chew his food. We have had all kinds of intensive therapy for over a year now and he still cannot chew. Its so frustrating and I am not sure how you teach a child something that is such natural instinct to everyone else. His entire diet is pureed where we feed him.

Does anyone have updates to their situation and suggestions of what helped them? I saw someone mentioned the children hospital in PA. Did that help?

Jul 10, 2017
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Don't give up
by: Boobearmama

I posted here some time ago about my son(he is 4 years old now) who didn't chew anything. Just this past Father's Day he picked up a slice of cheese, on his own, and decided to chew it and eat it. My husband says it was the best Father's Day gift he ever got. It brought us both to tears.

Today he ate two small pieces of watermelon. I noticed my son did this when he wasn't feeling pressured and watched meticulously. It hasn't been a huge dive but we are just happy he is eating/chewing on his own.

Don't give up, our children will get there.

Jul 10, 2017
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GAPS Diet
by: Anonymous

I just read a few of the posts here because our son is 13 months and has trouble chewing food. A few professionals have suggested he may have a sensory disorder.

We are starting him on the GAPS diet and having the broth alone has helped some. The GAPS diet gets to the root of a lot of diseases and problems with children and adults and many people have had tremendous healing from it.

Just a suggestion for any other desperate moms out there...

Jun 04, 2017
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MtHFR
by: Anonymous

Hi.
Please look into Mthfr gene mutation.

My daughter had this same problem. Reflux. Wouldn't eat anything with lumps. Then later on i found out she had sensory processing disorder.

Once I started to supplement with Methyl folate and methylb12 I saw a big difference.

Mar 29, 2017
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Son has never used teeth
by: Sara

My son is turning 3 next week and has never once bitten or chewed food. He will only eat very small bites of food he can swallow without chewing, basically lives off of oatmeal, ramen, shells & cheese (only 1 shell at a time), soup, or a mashed potatoe/sweet potatoe. Main source of calories tho is just from whole milk.

He refuses to hold a spoon to feed himself and acts terrified if I tell him to. It's frustrating and challenging to say the least! He loves to lick chips, doughnuts, suckers, bananas, but will never take a bite and if a piece comes off in his mouth, he immediately panics and spits it out.

We have just recently started testing with different therapists to figure out how to help him. He speaks great, knows whole alphabet, all shapes, colors, numbers up to 30, etc. Loves being held, tickled, bathing, the playground, hugs, kisses, but won't touch anything sticky, doesnt like bare feet touching grass, sand, dirt, etc.

His behavioral problems are very unpredictable from day to day, and he behaves the worst for me. He can be so sweet, pleasant & adorable, and then lose it and just scream and scream, kick, hit, and cry for 30 min straight. Although that is extremely challenging and so embarrassing when it happens around other people, the eating is by far my main concern. Like another mom wrote, I can't even imagine what it would be like for him to feed himself his oatmeal or to eat crackers!

He luckily qualified for a FREE (woohoo) very well run preschool program 4 days/wk as soon ad he turns 3, and there are OT therapists & aides that will be working with him. They said they are going to "rock his world" lol which I know he needs but I'm also so worried about how freaked out he will be withoyt me there. I'm a stay at home mom, so he is with me 24/7!

Mar 28, 2017
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Adult
by: Anonymous

I have an adult child who over the last two yrs has refused to chew his food. Was diagnosed at 1 yr with tuberous sclerosis. He currently functions at about age 1. Never had this problem until age 25. It's like he's so hungry he tries to swallow mouthfuls whole. No matter if I purée his food or chop it into small bites, because he's swallowing so much it gets lodged. Then for the next hour or two we stand in front of the sink and he gags himself in attempts to dislodge the food. Very frustrating. Please help. Any suggestions, contact me at dmazzei@loraincsd.org. Thanks.

Mar 04, 2017
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My 3.5 year old does not chew
by: Rmy

As everyone else here my son is not chewing food ; I am too tired of going to therapist or doctors
They ask 1000 of questions and make us answer and they charge huge money

Also it's very challenging for working parents to take their kid to speech therapy and feeding therapy

Finally I have decided to try my level best on this and forget depending on others

Parents , please record the turning points so that we can help other parents

I am sure one day they are going to chew
Email me :rmy0604@gmail

Feb 25, 2017
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Same Boat OP
by: Sarah

My son is now 4 and a half years old, since birth he has suffered from what the medical profession has told us is simply 'reflux'. I dont believe my sons 'reflux' is actually that.

Maybe once upon a time it was but I think its just become a habit. Look up 'Rumination syndrome'. He regurgitates non digested food as soon as he eats it, for example, we sit down to dinner and the first maybe 3 or 4 forkfuls he swallows just come straight back up with quite a bit of clear slime.

Sometimes this regurgitation will continue until we give in and give him cereal or something but more often than not after the fist few spit ups his food will stay down and he can eat his meal.

When he does bring up food, its clearly not been very well chewed, he never brings up mushy or really chewed food, just big lumps. Never any actual vomit, vomit smell etc, just the slimy lumps and never after a meal, always right at the start, every single time!

There are no foods which we find are guaranteed to be spit up, sometimes he can eat buttered toast with no issue, sometimes every single bite comes back up. I dont think its behavioral as theres been a lot of times we try to take away a plate of whatevers just not staying down and he will cry because he WANTS to eat it, despite regurgitating every bite.

Its hard as a parent trying to get someone to listen, our pead has recently given us a prescription for a proton pump inhibitor. Since bringing the drugs home and doing a bit of research I dont even understand why she wants to give him this stuff. I refuse to give him it. She thinks its an over production of acid, funnily though acid reflux is mostly caused by low acid so....???

We are about to begin speech and language therapy to see theres an issue with his chewing and if that will help. I hope you find some answers and things get better, I know just how hard it is to watch and the fear and stress that comes with it.

Best wishes and good luck.

Feb 19, 2017
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You r not alone bt i can help a little
by: Anonymous

My son 2.10month he also not chew the food completely all the time bt yes he ate little bit by his own he saw some other kids doing so.So as far my experience the kid learn to eat by seeing other kid of there age.sending a toddler to a playschool is a best way to teach them how to eat as well as chew food.Hope this will help

Feb 16, 2017
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You are not alone
by: Anonymous

When I read your post I felt like I was reading about my son. My son does not want to eat alone. He is now 2 1/2 and still does not eat on his own.

I felt like I was the one doing something wrong because I was often criticized by family members that he should grab and chew his own food, however my son was 1 1/2 and did not want to grab his own food even snacks like cookies and bite them. I had to break everything down and feed it to him.

I tried so many times and little by little I told him BITE everything he would grab a cookie and I would show him how to do it. I also told him GRAB and told him to grab his own food He improved a lot and now grabs his own snacks.

I still cannot get him to eat his meals alone and he is VERY picky with textures. I know it's not the best solution but try to put him some TV while you are feeding him. I can get my son to eat so many things he would not normally eat without that distraction. I know how hard it is and scary my son will choke and still does often.

He just started therapy and has being diagnosed with Autism although I am sure he does not have it. The "specialist" did not check him she did a questionnaire and said there was a 50% chance he had it. It is such a stressful and scary road and the truth is not one understand how hard it is. I wish people would be more understanding instead of judging our kids.

Feb 03, 2017
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Chewing problem
by: Geetha

My son has 2 years 8 months old now. I have not eat solid food and not chewing. He is only ate liquid food. Some time focusing solid food not eat but on mouth many hours. He is not speaking but sing rhymes, abc, 1 to 100 some called items name ( fruits, animals , toys etc) please help me .

Dec 09, 2016
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Oral Motor treatment for chewing
by: Amy R.

I am a Speech Therapist who has worked with children 0-5 for the last 16 years. I myself did not work with feeding when I started this position (Early Intervention through school districts) but through working with occupational therapists and various professional development, I learned how to work with children who can't eat in an age appropriate manner. It will vary state to state (I'm in Michigan) as far as what is available, but please look for Early Intervention programs such as Early On for children 0-3 and see what is available through your local school district for ages 3-5.

Some Speech Therapists have knowledge of feeding therapy, and most occupational therapists do (at least the ones I've worked with). If you cannot find anyone through those programs, there is a website called Talktools http://www.talktools.com/ and they have a listing of therapists who are trained in feeding and oral motor techniques.

Beckman is another organization that provides trainings, and they also have a listing of trained therapists. http://www.beckmanoralmotor.com/

I'm so sorry that you have had bad experiences looking for help for your children. I wish you well.

Oct 28, 2016
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Son with Feeding Issues
by: Kmm

My son just turned 2 and won't chew either. He has been working with an OT, a speech therapist and a feeding therapist. He's come as far as putting foods into his mouth and tasting them, but he won't actually chew or consume anything.

He has undergone testing to rule out medical problems. It is so frustrating because it seems like he WANTS to eat (he even says some things are "yummy") but can't.

Does anyone have any success stories? I can't imagine him all of a sudden just starting to chew and eat. It seems hopeless. He is a little delayed with his speech but not too far behind, and he is progressing well in all other areas.

Oct 23, 2016
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Update
by: JoeTucson

I received a response to take my child to a speech therapist and I have, 3 of them who are baffled as to why he doesnt chew. I know semi puree his food and allow some chunks and lumps enough to get him thinking and moving his food around. I am not waiting any longer, we are relocating our family to Philadelphia to the Children's Hospital. They have a feeding clinic and folks bring their children from all over the world to this hospital with similar to severe feeding problems. My son will be 4 in a few months and I can't wait for a miracle in Tucson, this is the worst place to get decent services for children....i have fought long and hard and I am done, my child deserves better.

Oct 23, 2016
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So Relieved To See That I''m Not Alone!
by: Anonymous

I am sitting here reading all of these comments in tears. My daughter is almost 4 and does not chew!

This all started when she was one and everyone just blew me off telling me that I needed to be patient and she would grow out of it. Well, she still has not grown out of it and it is so stressful and frustrating! We have been to so many doctors who have kindly taken our money for evaluations only to still NOT help.

The insurance companies are a fraud! They won't pay for her services. Apparently it's OK to allow a small innocent child to not eat as long as they get $500 per session, by the way she needs two sessions a week. It cost me $70 to pay out-of-pocket! Imagine that! The insurance companies will pay 100% after I meet the deductible! By the time I meet the deductible the new year will roll over and I will have to start fresh so it's easier to pay out-of-pocket!

I spend my nights searching the internet for different strategies and tools to help her. I have come across a few therapy tools that we use to help her chew. It infuriates me that I have made more progress with my daughter than any of the centers that have taken our money!

Thank God for Ark Therapeutic! I have been able to locate all of the sensory chew tools that I need for my daughter on their website. Their tools are also sold on Amazon and they have videos on YouTube that have helped me and trained me on how to get my daughter to chew.

Almost everyone has written her off as a behavioral problem when she clearly/verbally stated that she was afraid. So of course she is going to cry and scream if you try to force her to do something by jamming your fingers in her mouth.

At first she would not chew anything. She still is not chewing foods on her own, but we have gone from zero chewing action to her actually letting me put bits of food on the chewy tools and practicing with that. She goes to therapy once a week because it's all that I can afford on my own.

Outside of that I work with her almost every day using the websites and videos that I have found. It's a very long process but at least I am seeing some progress. I have gotten her to use these tools to strengthen her rotary chewing.

I do a lot of praying and also a lot of crying when I am up late at night. Family and friends do not understand and usually point the finger and blame me. They just don't understand and it has caused me to isolate myself from family friends and other outings with other kids because they are all eating snacks and my daughter does not.

I have also spent a lot of money on happy tots foods which are puréed versions of their baby food. It's the only way that I can continue to ensure that she is getting all of the food groups in vitamins and nutrients that she needs. thankfully she is the right weight and we have not had any problems with her weight because she is definitely a healthy looking little girl.

I just need her to chew! So I guess I will continue to try and find foods to work with and mix those foods with the puréed foods.

I am so happy to have come across this forum and I wish you all the best! It's so nice to know that I am not alone and I hope that everyone of you here realizes that you are not alone anymore we have this forum!

Oct 02, 2016
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3 Year Old Son Doesn't Chew
by: Boobearmama

I really thought I was alone. My 3-year-old only eats mac n cheese, ramen, and spagettio's. This is progress for him.He sort of mashes it with his tongue and the roof of his mouth. He licks crackers,pretzels, cookies, etc. He doesn't mind different flavors, but if it is anything he has to bite it is a no go. His OT seems to be annoyed by him, we have been going for about a year, and before that we went to an OT that didn't know anything about how to help him at all. So ladies and gents, any suggestions? It makes me sad that my son doesn't eat and I would like to help but am starting to feel like nothing will help.

Sep 12, 2016
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Daughter with SPD
by: Anonymous

Hi, my daughter has sensory processing issues so I can relate to the frustration you feel. We're currently working with an occupational therapist and speech therapist. For the chewing issues we're using a tool before each meal called a z-vibe. It comes with interchangeable attachments for the child to chew on. It vibrates as well, but that's a bit much for our child so we usually leave it turned off. Facial message on the cheeks and around the mouth is also another technique we're using. Good luck and remember this too shall pass. May take awhile, but we'll get through it!

Sep 08, 2016
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Jesus and the miracle
by: Jennifer

Dear Anonymous,
Please. Jesus healed your son and gave you a miracle because you prayed? Does that mean that the countless other people who've prayed for a miracle with their own children aren't worthy of Jesus, that he decided your son was worth it and all of the other kids have to live like they're living now? Come on.

Aug 23, 2016
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Eating issues
by: Anonymous

My soon to be three yr old has sensory problems and also his four year old brother has it to, both speech delayed but my three year old has under a 15 word vocabulary. the pediatrician thinks he may also have apraxia waiting till after his third birthday before having him evaluated.

Very limited on what he will eat typical snack foods, yogurt, pancakes, egg, Mac and cheese, but he won't eat meat also likes to take soft foods and crumbles it on floor spreads it around and picks it up and eats the tiny crumbs. He also loves smacking the tv and fighting me while trying to put him in the car. Looking for any suggestions or outcomes from others who's kids do the same.

Aug 12, 2016
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my son 4,5 years dont chew
by: mom in indonesia

Im shock also feel bit relieved seeing im not alone hving this problem. My son dont chew at all. He will vomit if given solid food. And dx asd and sensory integration disorder .he still cannot speak just afew word repetition. Its so frustating..to see him eating and crying. So sad..devastating

Jul 03, 2016
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Speech sensory feeding
by: Anonymous

I am a speech language pathologist. You probably found an SLP that isn't comfortable or knowledgable with feeding. My own children both had sensory feeding issues. If I were you, I would purchase a chewy tube (around $12 or so depending on where you get it) and place the end on his back teeth. He should naturally start to bite down promoting a stronger rotary chew movement. Let him hold it and bite on it. Then, slowly start to incorporate different textures. Start with soft chewable foods that he wouldn't get choked on. Hope this helps some. Please get a second opinion from another SLP in your area that could offer more therapy options.

Jun 11, 2016
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All Glory and Honor to God Alone for he did a miracle in my son's life
by: Anonymous

Hello,
My son is now 25 months old.At the time of his 2nd birthday he wouldn't even eat an Icecream cake.He doesn't know how to chew,he would only lick the food and then drop them off.Would just eat only puréed foods.The doctors said that he needs feeding therapy but we didn't go for it.I waited on the Lord.

I was also very desperate for my son to have solid foods like any other toddler.I showed him how to chew and bite but nothing helped.I prayed and depended only on him and he opened the door for the miracle in my son' s life.I saw a sudden change .At first he started biting instead of just licking the foods and then 2 weeks later he literally chewed his food to my amazement and now he is eating solid foods.Only JESUS can do it .Please don't lose hope .

I wanted to share this so that it would bring comfort to many parents.So there's nothing on my part but just trusted GOD.He might open the door in any way by bringing a healing preacher in contact or some professionals who could really help your child or can be an instant healing.

Mar 14, 2016
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Speech therapy
by: Anonymous

If your son doesn't chew, take him immediately to a speech therapy specialist. Don't waste time and take him. This kind of specialist will help, believe me, I know.

Mar 01, 2016
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My Son 3 and Won't Chew and....
by: JoeTucson

He won't put anything in his mouth. When he was born he would not latch and was put on formula which did not agree with him. He cried non stop, painful gas and constipation. I switched him to German formula and he was 70% better. German formula didn't have all the junk U.S. baby formulas put in. And of course all the doctors said he was fine, just acid reflux. Then 6 months, he showed interest in eating, I gave him pureed carrots, he loved it, then an hour later screaming, next day gave him greenbean puree, same thing....then he didn't trust me anymore and stopped eating and developed severe anxiety and fear everytime I put anything close to his mouth that wasn't food. Fast forward, he has been diagnosed with autism and none of the doctors have gotten down to business in regards to his gas, reflux, food sensitivity issues. He is now going to be 3, entering a program/school that has an OT and Speech therapist available to him. After ALL the professionals I have visited and thousands of dollars, crying and fustration....no one can tell us why our son is so afraid to eat/chew. All I can say is don't give up, you are your child's only advocate. I am trying a naturopathic doctor.

Jan 25, 2016
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update on my 8 year old
by: Zaleena

The exact thing happened to us - took the child to the doctor and they said "behavioral" and then the look at us bluntly and walked out of the room. OT will say the same as well, it is very frustrating and did cause us sleepless night as well, but I think is something as a parent have to deal with cause all these professionals do, is to swipe the insurance card and leave you to figure it out. My child wasn't chewing as well, but was never put on any meds. From birth my child use to vomit and not chew, but we struggled and pray and I guess our prayers are answered. She is now 8 years old and eats everything but slowly, but she eats it normal, no puree and I am happy with that. I wish you all the best, just be patient and everything will work out.
ZallyM@aol.com

Jan 24, 2016
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To the original poster
by: Anonymous

We have identical stories look up Dysmotility. This is why your toddler is throwing up his foods they are not digesting in a timely manner.

Nov 16, 2015
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sensory disorder
by: vanessa

Hi I have a 3 year old that doesn't chew only puree n some smash like puree I'll make soup of chicken with potatoes n Mexican sqash.green beans . carrots. Broccoli n when it's done I put everything in the blender I also do ground turkey n add the same veggies I also make ground turkey with spaghetti I smash that very well n she likes it I also make her rice n beans smash together n eats them good or eggs with beans smash good together n eats them to or I put 2 strawberry one banana n little bit of cherrios n bit of milk blend it n she eats that to n she also likes yogurt n jello I need more recipe anyone have any my Lil one weights 25 pounds she needs to gain more pounds

Sep 10, 2015
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To the desperate lady
by: Anonymous

Do not listen to those that judge. You are doing the right thing blending the foods together. It is too time consuming doing it separately. I still use mostly baby oatmeal mixed with pureed fruit and the pureed fruit by itself. I also mix cream of chicken soup with chicken broth, cheddar cheese and cream to make chicken cheddar soup.I blended the beef veggy macaroni soup I made for the rest of the family so it was smooth and served it to my downs son. Also pureed chili. Sounds like you are doing all you can.

Sep 10, 2015
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Help
by: Anonymous

To the person who has the child with Down Syndrome, I have a 4-year-old with DS and he could never chew his food and I'm consumed with guilt that I didn't try hard enough, or didn't start earlier enough in trying, but we feared so much how he would choke just on liquids, and gagged on solids. He now has no interest in food unless it is pureed and will eat just about anything.

My problem is that I have a food processor. One food processor. I'm running out of meal ideas. Say I fix a pork roast, potatoes, and carrots, I have to mix all three. Or my choice is to, find something to mix with the pork to make it a gooey consistency (the blades won't get under the food), then wash same container out and puree each food. It is very tiring all day long doing this and I have no microwave right now either.

I've went through two Magic Bullets and they were my life savers. I'm saving for another, but we lost everything when we lost our business due to the economy. It's really hard, but we are making it back, but I have just run out of options for healthy food choices mostly out of frustration, mostly being judged by others, telling me to do them separately when he likes them mixed, but some things I cannot mix.

Any ideas? I'm desperate for ideas?

Jul 30, 2015
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Son doesn't chew
by: Anonymous

I have a 12 year old downs boy who only eats purrees. We have just accepted it. He cannot chew food and use to choke when he tried. He still eats baby food. I make creams soups for him also. He only eats one flavor pudding and doesn't like yogurt. He is a perfect weight, so we don't worry. He has no digestive issues or upset stomachs. Hope this is encouraging to others.

Jul 28, 2015
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same same story
by: riggzii

Hie my son is 14months.. he still doesn't eat solid food... he only like pureed food..just cant eat semi solid food.. i need help n m very worried about his chewing habit.. any success story.. plzz help us.

Jul 24, 2015
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Chiropractic
by: Anonymous

Try watching Chiropractic care with children on youtube and look for infants/babies common problems...Weve been amazed on how these specialist look at the body in a very different way!Try watching this first for you to understand https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqKHZf7p0rc

and this one is for the care given to a baby with reflux
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqsGW62fxVc

you can a watch a lot of cases along the way but try watching those under chiropractic excellence.

thanks! hope this will give you a reason not to panic and to look at health in a very different way

May 29, 2015
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What worked for us
by: Anonymous

My son has has acid reflux and did not want to even eat the little puffs that melt in your mouth when I first introduced them. I had to wait a month or so and try it again and it still didn't work. I kept waiting a month and trying again and he finally ate them. He ate pureed foods just fine. We didn't have any problems eating baby food until I introduced the stage 3 foods with the the chunks of vegetables in it. He would find the chunks and spit every last piece back out and would often gag. I ended up coming to the conclusion through trial and error that he did not like mixed textured food. It had to be a 1 dimensional texture, it could not be puree and chunks. I ended up working with an Occupational Therapist that told me his texture aversions were due to sensory issues. He ate primarily pureed foods past 2 years old. He is now 3.5 yo and will eat just about anything.

If your child is under the age of 3 research your state's Early Intervention program, they were a great resource for us. My son was a preemie, he walked late and had feeding issues and they helped a great deal.

May 12, 2015
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2 year old and not chewing too
by: Anonymous

My son is 2 and he doesn't chew either. But I'm thinking this could be because he's a late teether. As of now, he only has 8 teeth in total. 4 front teeth (2 upper & 2 lower) and 4 first molars on each side. Late teething runs in his father's side of the family. However, he doesn't gum his food either since he started on solids. He always swallow his food whole.

He is now on table food; but I need to chop the vegetables & meats really finely and the meals have to be soup-based (for lunch) and porridge (for dinner). Otherwise, he can't swallow and will gag and will need water to help swallow the foods.

Other than this teething & eating delay, he's on track with the rest of the milestones. In fact, he can string 4-5 words now and can communicate well. Do you think I should worry or wait till he has more teeth and judge then?

Apr 30, 2015
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Sequential Oral Sensory Approach
by: Anonymous

I am a pediatric speech-language pathologist in California. I work with several children who have similar difficulties.

Chewy tubes will not necessarily transfer over to eating skills. If you want to train eating skills you need to work with actual foods. I use the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach which not only uses foods to target improved chewing and eating skills but also looks at a wide variety of reasons for the individual's difficulties including sensory aversion, previous bad experiences with food, possible lack of oral motor skills.

Instead of using chewy tubes, this approach follows a typical developmental hierarchy, first focusing on teaching children to chew large, hard foods that won't break into pieces when chewed, e.g., large carrot sticks, rolled up pieces of dried mango. From there they progress as the therapist sees fit.

The founders of this approach give conferences all over the world. You may be able to find a trained therapist near you. In the meantime, I recommend patience and keep pureeing his foods (no chunks because you don't want to perpetuate the habit if him swallowing pieces whole).

Best of luck!

Apr 12, 2015
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Chewy Tube
by: MommaofJames

My son just had his 3rd birthday ( he is diagnosed global delays, ASD, and is non-verbal) and I came on the Internet now searching for ways to help him chewy his food, as he swallowes everything whole then regurgitates it because he is missing the first step of digestion, CHEWING! He loves all foods, but has had this problem since food was introduced. His speech therapist introduced a Chewy Tube to him about 1 year ago. At first he would not put it in his mouth, but now we take it everywhere. He chewys all the time. He has bitten me so I know he has strong jaw muscles but I still can not get him to translate this to food. Im just as lost as ya'll are, but the chewy tube has helped strengthen the muscles that he'll need to use to chew!

Mar 28, 2015
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Hope this helps.....
by: Anonymous

My son is 22 months old and does not chew food at all. He started off with an extremely high gag reflex with any type of textured food. He will not drink from a sippy cup or straw but drank from a bottle and now an open cup just fine. You can tell that he wants to eat everything but can't due to not chewing.
However, I live in Evansville, Indiana and at one of our hospitals (St. Mary's Center for Children) here in town, we have a feeding clinic! Seriously, I had never even heard of it until we discovered this problem with my son! We have been attending twice a week for 1 hour each session for the past 9 - 10 months!They are amazing and have helped my son so much! We still have a ways to go but he truly has come a long way! They anticipated that it would take at least 1 year. People travel from all over to attend. Many stay in hotels. I know how frustrating it is to want to help your child and can't seem to understand. I strongly encourage this program!

One thing we do is to buy mesh from a fabric store. Like the kind that has little holes in it that you could put pouporii in. Cut it in to small squares (approx 2X2) and twist up a small piece of food ( start with baby cookies, veggie straws , muffin pieces, moving up to meat) Hold it between your child's molars and hold their head steady while you count to 10 ( hoping for them the chomp down that many times) then switch sides. It's a process but definitely seems to help with learning to chew.
Hope that helps a little but definitely look for a feeding clinic! There is such a thing! Best of luck and I'm right there with you!

Mar 23, 2015
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10 month old?
by: Anonymous

I notice a lot of people with this problem are having it with toddlers and older. Is it normal that I have this issue with my 10 month old who should be finger feeding? He will eat puffs but no food that I make ( I make all his food homemade) if it ha chunks he will spit it out :(

Mar 16, 2015
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TalkTools Therapist
by: Helga

I checked the suggestions by one of the writer's on find a TalkTools Therapist in our area. I live in Edmonton, AB Canada. There is no talkTools Therapist in Alberta. Any other suggestions?

My son is now 12, I first wrote on this site with he was 7 years old. He is now involved with a OT therapist, that has taken us to introducing some snacks that involve texture. My son normally eats yogurt, but not if it has big lumps. She introduced a peach yogurt (which has lumps) in therapy, taking out really big lumps). he loved it, then she introduced apple sauce (which is new to him) mixed with grated carrot (the carrot flavour is already in a soup that is purred in a soup that he currently eats). She mixed it with the yogurt, again he really liked it.

The way the OT wants to do this is - take current food/snacks that he eats and e x p a n d the flavour which is not always easy. My son likes everything the same. Yogurts we have expanded new flavours to lemon, peach, field berry. Puddings we expanded to Banna, lemon meringue, toffee caramel. Then we are going to mix some things that he currently has already in his food intake and add it to the foods he eats (she calls it "keep the same food family"). For example, for breakfast he currently eats this cereal that comes in the form of flakes (honey flavoured) and we mix it a cup of milk. It is very thin and not lumpy, but if he takes too long to eat it, it gets thicker and mushy. That flaked cereal also comes in chocolate flavour,which he has never accepted in the past. The OT introduced the sprinkling the chocolate flakes into his yogurt. He now eats this as a snack and the texture is different, and not smooth. This is huge for us. We have had trouble changing texture. I feel we may FINALLY have someone that can move us forward even though this is a baby step.

I can be contacted a hwoywitka@shaw.ca if anyone would like to talk.

Mar 16, 2015
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DFC
by: Anonymous

My daughter is 4yrs. old and she only eats her foods pureed or such things as applesauce, chobani 2x a day, soft foods ; cut up very small w/ no chewing at all! She has "global delays" and ADS at this time still doing testing. She she's an OT specialist once a week for food class and that's for a 1/2 hr. and motor skills in the gym for for the other 1/2 hr. We have been going for a yr. now. We just having seen much progress.. we are frustrated like others w/ this problem and I have no support people "don't understand"! Unless they are going thru this. Any suggestions?

Feb 24, 2015
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son age 6 1/2 doesn't chew
by: AS

my son has learning difficulties, he doesn't chew and needs purees or yogurt etc. He feeds himself. It's so frustrating. I've been to so many specialists and have just been told it will take time!!!!

Feb 21, 2015
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TalkTools!!!!
by: Anonymous

Please find a Talktools therapist near you. They will address both the sensory and motor components for chewing.

Jan 04, 2015
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My 7 year old daughter
by: Zaleena Hansen

i use to have this exact problem with my new born, the doctors and other medical professionals will stare at me with a blank face as of to what I am saying about my child. I must say i am grateful for how far I have come in this stuff and unsolvable situation. My daughter is presently eating solids and any food but with a severe slow motion, but I am still contended with this. Thank God!!

Zaleena Hansen
ZallyM@aol.com

Jan 04, 2015
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Try eating and swallowing center
by: Anonymous

My son had a similar issue. Now he is eating about a quarter of his food as chewables now. The other 3/4ths are still pureed. For a month, we were at a feed center. For the 1st time, we met with medical professionals who did not rule him out by throwing hands in the air. They took him back to pureed food & slowly worked up to thickened puree. Today we are at broccoli & carrot. Please note, it took an additional 5 months after leaving the center to get to this point! The label "picky eater" is used when people don't understand this condition.

Oct 27, 2014
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Same condition we have with you
by: Erkin

Hi
We have same condition with you. Our 3.5 year old boy only eats puree or processed food. He never chews.
He is not interested in chocolate or other food which is wonderful for other children.
My wife is having hard time to feed him every time and he coughs even vomits sometime when we ask him to eat some bigger pieced food.

We were told that because he is prematurely born and had grow up issues before born (SGA) this may be the reason.

Now we are looking for a therapist to help him on this (and us also)

Good luck to you and us..

Oct 23, 2014
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Sara
by: Anonymous

Hi Sara how did they test him and what other signs does he have?

Oct 23, 2014
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Not chewing
by: Sara

Hello I have a 3 yr old boy. He has chewing issue but he had his development check up in hospital they diagnosed him with autism. I m totally lost and hard to accept it.

Sep 12, 2014
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Not chewing
by: WORRIED MOM

My son will be three soon and won't chew. He's in therapy but can anyone tell me if they have any success stories??

Jun 28, 2014
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child eating problem
by: janu.

My son 3yr kid not chew food he just swallow.every spoon of food he drink water and swallow them .food want to put mixer otherwise he wont eat how to tackle this problem.please helpme..

Jun 02, 2014
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My Son has Down Syndrome and ONLY eats very limited puree's
by: Anonymous

I too have the same problem, only my son is 11. He is a thin boy, and I worry so much that he WILL need more. I have had a revolving door of OTs, I find even the professionals give up on us.

I would be THRILLED if my son could eat soft foods like scrambled egg, pancakes, soft noodles, cubed chicken, beef etc.

For those of you who have found success, PLEASE, PLEASE, tell me what you have done to get your child chewing.

Jun 02, 2014
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My son is not chewing foods & vomiting
by: kcs

My son is an age of 7years plus still he is not willing to take any food. I have been trying to create his intreasted giving different foods. He has been taking food forcefully by her mother, making semi-liquid and semi-solid food. many times, at the finish time of food he is taking out by vomiting. He is unable to keep food some time in mouth. No chewing by teeths, direct taking to stomach. Biscuits are not also chewing by teeth. There is no health problem, he has sound health. One time I have kept him hungry 24 hrs with out giving food and water, nothing effect him to attract food. Just gone sleep only. I forcefully telling him to run and cycle running for creating hungry but not effecting him. From the age of 4 years I have beening showing different doctors like pediatric, medicines, dentist, surgery etc. All are tried giving some medicine and also giving some liquid foods taking infront of him nothing influenced him. I am requesting to every one of different professions and specialist please help me to living an enjoy life instead of living a tensionlife every day thinking only about only child.

Mar 23, 2014
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There is help out there!
by: Cory

I am only just a newly graduated Occupational Therapist, so I am definitely no expert, but it seems like all of the families I work with have tried EVERYTHING to get their kids to chew/eat new foods. I completely understand how hard this process is for everyone involved, there is some good information out there.

I HIGHLY recommend the book 'Just Take a Bite: Easy, Effective Answers to Food Aversions and Eating Challenges!' by Lori Ernsperger.

In the book she talks about why it might be that your child is experiencing these issues with foods and exactly how you might be able to start addressing it.

I am just starting on this adventure with one of my clients now. Find an occupational therapist who will listen to your concerns and who may not know all the answers but is willing to support you through this time and brainstorm together with you to come up with ideas to support your child in their acceptance of new foods.

Good luck everyone!

Feb 08, 2014
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Daughter does not chew well
by: Anonymous

My 14years daughter keeps food so long in her mouth and tries to swallow without chewing. Takes forever to eat a single meal. Any idea how can I help her?

Sep 02, 2013
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Update
by: Anonymous

I wanted to update my situation. I am the mom with 2 children with the same eating problem. My daughter is almost 5 now, and improved a lot. She can eat everything now, but it takes her some time to chew and swallow some foods (especially the ones with fiber, such as vegetables). My 3 year old son is also improving, albeit very slowly. He still mainly eats pureed foods, but started eating (I mean chewing) scrambled eggs, little bit of chicken, cheese, french fries, pizza and macaroni & cheese. We don't forbid any 'junk' food in our home, because we want them to get used to different textures and practice chewing. He still gets his nutrition from the pureed foods that I prepare for him. He is still like a 12 month old learning how to eat solid food. It takes him almost an hour to eat 1 small slice of pizza. But as I learned from my daughter, this is how the progression goes. The good thing is, he started getting interested in solid foods. He wants to try them himself and even a small bite helps. So, he is getting there, and I am trying to be patient (although it really is hard sometimes).

As a fun anecdote, we got a fish couple of months ago. He didn't eat for 2 weeks after we bought him. And then he started eating only treats, not his regular food (he eventually died couple of months later). So, I thought I must be so jinxed that even my fish had an eating disorder :)

Sep 02, 2013
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help anyone son will not chew....
by: Anonymous

my son is 2years old and only eat pudding certain types of baby food mainly stage 2/3 but he doesn't eat the puffs, he drinks milk some juice every time we try to make him eat he closes his mouth , we have been going to therapy she said he was tongue tie, we had it clipped and he still hasn't started eating ...has anyone been down this same road I don't know what else to try . He is in the 80% for his height and weight I just want some new ideas. he want eat bread crumbs mixed in applesauce if he feels the different texture he spits it out .

Jun 12, 2013
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My 2 year old not eating OR WALKING
by: Anonymous

My son turned 2 yesterday, he is not eating solid foods at all. The sight of food made him gag months ago, but now he is able to touch and lick solid foods, still no chewing. We live in the Richmond VA area, We have seen a Neurologist, a GI Doctor, Early Intervention, Geneticist and had a Swallow test done (results where normal). Now we are on the 1 year waiting list for the Childrens Hospital feeding clinic. Its frustrating because it seems like every doctor is saying something different, one says hes fine; hes taking his time and the others are testing for certain things but no diagnosis yet.

He isn't walking ether, he didn't roll until 10 months or crawl until 16 months he can hold on to furniture etc. and cruse and occasionally take a few steps while holding my hands. His feet roll inward and toes point out when standing but doesn't seem to be a concern for the therapists at early intervention. Any mother would love to hold their baby as much as possible, but hes 38 lbs and every day gets harder and harder leaving the house carrying him.

I read most of the comments below and you have some helpful tips! If anyone has more helpful tips or ideas for not eating OR walking please let me know... Thank you.

Mar 12, 2013
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I have 2 children with eating problems
by: Anonymous

I have 2 children with mild sensory problems.

My 4 yo daughter started eating pureed solids at 6 months. She used to throw up her milk until 7 months. At 2.5 yo she could chew pasta and fries but I had to puree everything else. And she threw up a lot even with the purees. She is now good at eating most carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, rice, fries, waffles and cookies; rarely throws up. But she has problem chewing meats and vegetables. I make pureed soups everyday for lunch but don't puree the dinners so that she will practice chewing. But she keeps on chewing vegetables, so it takes a very long time for her to finish dinner. The funny thing is, she can eat fries very easily, can even stuff her mouth with a bunch of them. But she has hard time chewing 1 tiny potato in a meal. And she can't swallow most meat even after chewing for a very long time. Even with the purees, she doesn't want to feed herself. If I feed her, she finishes the pureed food in 10 min. But if I let her eat by herself, it takes her a very long time to finish with a lot of nagging nonetheless. She does not want to try new foods. She eats bananas, tried blueberries, tangerines, and strawberries maybe once; so I puree the fruits as well.

My 2.5 yo son didn't start solids until he was 14 mo. He, too used to throw up his milk until he was 7 mo. He refused breast feeding at 8 months for no apparent reason. So I bottle-fed him only breastmilk until he was 12 mo, but started sneaking in fruit purees in his breastmilk after that. I also tried sneaking in baby cereal in his bottle but he didn't accept that. He didn't throw up as much as my daughter did as a toddler. But unlike her even the tinniest solid in his purees will either make him gag or he will spit it out/take it out. I took him to an occupational therapist recently and the therapist diagnosed him with Infantile Anorexia along with the sensory problems. I had not heard of Infantile Anorexia before, but learning about it made a lot of sense. So, I recommend parents to research that and see if the recommendations will help them.

Developmentally, my daughter was right on track with language. She has a hard time pronouncing the letter R, but it still seems like age appropriate. My son started talking very early and is advanced for his age in a lot of areas except eating of course! Both of my children have good weights; around 85th-75th percentile respectively. They do eat everything I put infront of them which is all kinds of fruits, vegetables, meats, legumes and grains. But they only eat 3 times/day and eat maybe 1 snack or not. So I try to increase the caloric values of their intakes with giving whole milk or adding butter, heavy cream, sour cream etc into their foods.

Trying to feed 2 children with the same problem for the last 4 years has been very frustrating for me. It feels like my life is revolving around trying to make them eat. They seem to get better, but the progression is unfortunately very slow.

Feb 27, 2013
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chewing in the front teeth
by: Anonymous

http://www.thespeechmama.com/2011/12/30/how-to-improve-tongue-movement-and-rotary-chewing-in-children-with-down-syndrome/

also search for tongue thrust.

Feb 17, 2013
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For 24 yr old
by: Anonymous

You should try the GAPS diet. It may be able to help you if you have SPD.

Feb 16, 2013
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im 24
by: Anonymous

hey im 24yrs of age i keep posting but no show but i am 24yrs of age living with THIS current eating disorder not chewing food living on liquid diet or vanilla custard milo you name it i dont eat it also had the same reactions as a child gag and spew i dont know if i am i thought as i was the only one but i am the one of the 1st to be i think to be living at 24yrs of age ment to die at 18 & i hide my dissorder more for the fact of judgement of being judged sounds bad but is the way i am for whatever life throws at me, i guess but if there is anyone older i would be supprised

Jan 28, 2013
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Son just turned 4, still doesn't chew
by: Anonymous

My son just turned 4 this month. He has sensory defensiveness. He will only eat pureed, msshed, and smooth foods. If you try anything with any kind of meat or clump in it, he immediately gags and throws up. I as well thought that my son was the only child with this problem. Now that I see how many of us parents are suffering and how many children are suffering through such a difficult process, I am even more frustrated. It seems that none of us are really receiving any answers or solutions to this. I too am worried about the long term effects of this nutritionally and socially. My son has been seeing a speech therapist, physical therapist and occupational therapist, all twice a week for a year. All other aspects of his sensory problems have greatly gotten better but there has not been any progress in eating. Does anyone have any other websites, doctors, or resources to share. Thanks!

Jan 19, 2013
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My 4 year old...
by: Anonymous

Marci, would you consider posting your email so I can contact you? I have a four year old on with Down syndrome who sounds o much like your son.. I would love to know more about what you've tried with your son. You can contact me as we'll at kappagal@hotmail.com

Dec 19, 2012
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Help my 5 year old don't chew
by: Anonymous

Hello can someone help I'm pulling my hair out, my son is five and does not eat solid or lumpy food, I have to blend it and if Its something he not sure of I have to feed him , he will only feed himself smooth foods, I is in reception class at school now and every day he has soup or spag hoops with yogurt, it's effecting his health he is very anaemic and suffers with severe constipation and even been admitted to hospital twice he has 2-4 movicol aday to provide him comfort emptying his bowels but he still blends and his stool is that big it's blocked our toilet, he is a petite lad very active and on the ball with everything, he has blood tests every three months and every time he still anaemic he is on .3ml of iron daily so it's important I push fruit bit again blend it, if there is a trace of lumps he vomits all his food up and it's very destressing for him, I'm getting no help or support from n e one, still waiting to c if he autistic

Nov 27, 2012
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4 year not chewing. Eating only blended food
by: Jas

My son who is 4 also doesn't chew foods. He till date eats only blended food and will not eat food that's not in purée form since he gags and grows up on them. He also doesn't self feed. Feeding him is a mission coz he needs distraction. I have lately heard that its not good to give kids blended food since it weakens their system and doesn't give them strength. How much is this true.
Any suggestions please email me at jasleen0213@gmail.com

Please advice what to do as I'm very worried about his feeding problem.

Nov 24, 2012
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i thought i was alone
by: Anonymous

my son is now 3 1/2 and does not chew. he was dignosed with sever gatro reflux and was given an op when he was 18 months, he stopped puking but he never learnt how to eat, he only eats yogurts and cereals at present and is very reluctant to try something new or even try to chew and eat, we have seen many speach therapists but nothing is helping or working, otherwise he is a perfectly normal child. we feel very stuck and helpless as parents but we just done know what to do anymore.

Nov 17, 2012
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My son the chipmunk
by: Anonymous

Really wonder what the link is. My son has had eating difficulties since young. Even to today, he still often spends 2 hours to finish a meal. Sometimes, he keeps food in his cheeks and keep them there for even longer, and has his cheeks full through violin lessons and all. He was picked out for giftedness by the education authorities, and is advanced in music for his age. But sometimes, he seems not to 'get it' as well as his peers when it comes to verbal instructions. He loves reading and puzzles, and numbers, but talks rather little, especially to non-family members. Going to see an educational psychologist soon for tests to see if they can out anything.

Nov 08, 2012
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What has worked....part 2
by: Marci

(Part 2 of 2) 5. My son can now swallow a variety of foods if we finely mince the foods and mix them with textures that help "wash" the food down - mashed potatoes, yogurt, mashed carrot, beet or winter squash. He eats a wide variety of foods - meat, fish, cooked veggies, soft fruits and fruit sauces.
I have researched the causes of chewing delays and some are related to sensory processing disorders, as well as a variety of other cognitive or developmental factors. As my son is growing, I am learning to accept that this may just be part of who he is. My priorities now are his nutrition and safety. Our meals are planned around foods we can prep to a texture he can swallow. I bring food he can eat with us most anywhere when we are away from home. He is being taught not to take foods from other people and as he grows I will teach him how to prepare foods to a texture he can safely eat. - No chicken nuggets, tortilla chips, candy or so many of the other things kids usually eat. So, we have to always be prepared. We have had some scary incidents in the past so we have learned - no eating in the car, always have someone sitting with him when he eats and remind him not to overfill his mouth.
To all of you on this post, know you are not alone. I have felt your pain of having doctor's and specialists be at a loss for how to help. I hope some of this info give you hope. Be patient and try to focus on the blessings each day has to offer.

Nov 08, 2012
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What has helped....
by: Marci

(Part 1 of 2) My son is 7 years old and has Down syndrome. I still have to finely mince many foods so he can eat them without choking but I'm happy to share what has helped over the past few years. He had been in the NICU for 2 months at birth with an NG tube. He then had open-heart surgery before he finally was able to come home. He was on Zantac then Prevacid for the reflux. He showed an aversion to anything in his mouth early on and would easily choke. He would not chew on anything during teething and his teeth came in late but healthy. We used the following types of therapies to help him become more aware of his mouth muscles -
1. lightly tapping his lips (with clean hands obviously)
2. Holding a vibrating toy lightly against his cheeks
3. Using a spin brush to brush his teeth - use a small head brush and sing the ABCs as you go to distract a bit. If you child resists brushing make a 2-person job. Have child sit on your lap facing you with legs around your waist. Have other person sit opposite you with knees touching yours. Gently lay the child back cradling head in your hands and have the other person brush gently with the spin brush. Be careful not to let the child choke. Tell him or her how proud you are and celebrate with praise and yays when done. Over time, you may find your child no longer needs to be reclined to brush and eventually he or she may look forward to brushing. Be patient, this took several years for my son.
4. Try long skinny cracker=like foods like VeggieStix and try to place them in child's mouth to the side (over the teeth). My son now chews foods like VeggieStix, Saltines, animal crackers, goldfish, small cookies.

Nov 06, 2012
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Daughter not chewing
by: Anonymous

I also have a 2 and half year daughter and she does not chew solid foods. she is also slow on the speech. But she is a super smart girl but just has this one challenge. I wanted to send her to school next year and i m worried what if she dont eat there and faint :(. Because of this fear only i am still keeping her at home.

please anyone suggest to get this issue resolved.

Oct 23, 2012
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3 year old
by: Cyrickain

I also have a 3 yo son and he does not chew solid foods. He is also slow on the speech. He can use my computer and android to find what he wants but he can't understand how to chew.

I think that he is a super smart boy but just has this one challenge. I am glad that all you moms posted on this board it helps me and my wife understand that we are not the only ones.

Yes I am a dad and I thank you all for posting

Aug 22, 2012
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Gaps
by: Anonymous

Search gaps diet, this has helped our child immensely. Make sure to go to dr. Mcbrides website: gaps.me, children not chewing or only eating puréed foods, as well as infant reflux, is a symptom of gut dysbiosis. You won't find this information through your doctor or therapist.

Jun 18, 2012
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have courage
by: Anonymous

I had posted info abt my son and his disorder many months ago. My son has now begun eating non-pureed food, though rice can be still a problem.He has started eating breads, biscuits, etc,yet to accept fruits, but am sure he will get there someday. My advice : please do keep visiting an oral therapist and religiously do whatever exercises suggested. Keep trying lil' finger foods, just keep at it. Am sure come one day, you will find the children picking up solids and somehow chewing them. Mine still has problems eating chunks, but hey he does gorge on chocolates. Well thats a start, if any. Cheers n courage.

Jun 18, 2012
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3 yr old still wont chew
by: Viktoria

i have a faceboook page toddler not chewing my son just turned 3 and still not chewing ,. we have been to the dentis t recently they did xray nothing wrong w / teeth etc,, ecxept he need s a cleaning and brushing twice a day. i m frustrated eevery day . he hates eating will only self feed himself with puddings smooth texture food. everything else i blend and fork mash i had to feed him with distraction adding banana pudding after each bite or apple sauce. we just started 2/ week OT but still not enuf! we need someone at leat 5times a week for this to work . I cant do it myself, my son is more resistant w/ me than w/ the OT> . im still considering the Gastronologist just to rule out every possible complications. i just dont understant how this can happen to someone just a few kids and the reason fro ti.

Mar 07, 2012
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20 month old's experience
by: Anonymous

My son is currently 20 months. He started throwing up at 1month, and so we went from 80% breastmilk to 100% breastmilk. He was on the 50% percentile for weight and height until he was 8 months, when I stopped breastfeeding. During that time, he still threw up daily or every other day with the breastmilk. We started introducing solids at 5 months, and he continued to throw up. He would only eat pureed carrots, and after eating a bit of that, he would cover his mouth with his hand. We thought it was cute and kept pushing the food, but then he would throw up.

Over the next few months, his weight started dropping until he was under the 3rd percentile at 12 months. He stayed there til he was 15 months and then we were referred to a pediatrician who treats feeding issues, and started seeing weekly speech language and OT for his picky eating/vomiting. By now, he was refusing all solids and would cry or push the food away whenever it was placed in front of him, or just the sight of food would lead him to gag and throw up. He would only eat pureed food. He continued to throw up, but only twice a week til he was 18 months, and so we put him on Ranitidine, and he started eating more. The speech language therapist said he wasn't chewing and she actively taught him how to chew. At 20 months, his weight is still at the 1st percentile, height 10-25%percentile, he's not speaking much, but is learning how to eat more foods.

He's still very cautious and the reasoning of why he wouldn't eat: 1: Reflux undiagnosed that led him to vomit continuously. 2. Anxiety re food because of the vomiting, and the behavior of making himself gag at the sight of food. 3. Egg/peanut allergy that led to lots of itchyness/hives 4. Some minor sensory issues where he only likes to eat dry/clean foods ie crackers. He doesn't like anything mushy or wet like jam, mashed potatos etc. The speech language stated that eating and speaking go together. He's never developed the fine motor skills of the mouth with chewing and so his speech is delayed too, as he doesn't know how to manupulate his mouth to make all the finer sounds that words require, he only makes sounds. All of this is improving daily, but only with lots of work: we offer him lots of different foods at each meal so he can pick and choose what he wants that meal.

Mar 02, 2012
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My son is two and half and doesn't chew.
by: Mom of a picky eater

I have the same problem with my son. He is two and half and doesn't eat any solid food. I have to blend everything I give him in to puree. He also doesn't drink milk or juice. Preferred liquid is water. He pukes all the times even on pureed food. I think his reason for not chewing and swallowing is being afraid of puking. He never even wants to put anything in his mouth. He is doing excellent in every other area. Speech is excellent, knows his colors, numbers, alphabets, shapes etc. He is a very bright little boy. I just don't know how to get him to start eating solids and drinking milk. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Please help.

PS: It is good to know that other mothers are going through the same issue and I am not alone.

Feb 29, 2012
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My 4yr old will not chew
by: Anonymous CC

My son is 4yrs old. He will not chew his foods. He loves to chew but has a problem to do so. sometimes he asks for animal crackers but ends up swallowing them whole. He will roll his food on his tongue until he swallows it. I have to give him pureed foods only. He goes to school half days because I will not let him spend the whole day at school without eating. I am afraid to leave him under anybody's care in case he chokes. He eats very liitle and is beginning to shrink in size. He is very inteligent in all other areas. I just dont know if he will eventually learn to chew or if it's something on the brain. Any advice??

Jan 13, 2012
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PLEASE HELP WORRIED SINGLE MOM
by: Anonymous

i am a single mother of 2 kids. my 1yr old son is not chewing his food. he inhales it and leaves it in his mouth to moisten it but just swallows it without chewing and then he throws it up not long afterwards. can anyone give me an idea of what i should do or anything at this point will be greatly appreciated

Dec 17, 2011
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to the annonymous indian
by: Anonymous

i liked your mail it made me feel better.my son also three has not started to chew yet.i am being scolded by my family ,inlaws relatives and almost everyone saying its your fault.u started smashed foods thats why. but its the other way round. if he doesn't chew i cant let him go hungry so i blend it for him.but i am worried because he has started play school and i cant send him anything to eat not even biscuits since he wont chew.am worried what will happen when he starts school because.in my place where i live the school timings are from morning to evening cant bear him to be hungry all day. i need help.please please help. i have seen some sites and comments also. is not chewing related to a speech therapist? my son cant say f and d .the word therapist scares me . help help help. and thanks dear anonymous for the support.

Dec 14, 2011
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Finger food
by: Anonymous

Hi All,

My daughter is 4 years and 2 months. Feeding issues will not tolerate finger foods on purred foods.

She was a failure to thrive on NG tube for at least one year and a half.
What We have achieved thus far -
She is on pedicure with poly-joule for her milk
She would only eat yoghurt and Rafferys Gardens pumpkin, sweetcorn and apple I started putting in 1 tsp of homemade lentil/vegetable and increased this over time to the extend that she now has many different homemade dishes all pureed.
We do finger food three times a day with foods that are disolverable. It's all a game. I say things like everybody licking just like me getting her to lick the foods and then we do everybody crunching just like me. I've recorded her doing this and I show her this so she can she that it is all ok. I also show her how to crunch with a mirror. After 10 minutes I then reward her with giving her the IPad and she
then play games. Happy to let you know anymore of the above and will keep you posted on how she is going. I have seen a Hugh improvement with her and it's only been a few weeks.

Nov 28, 2011
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My son is almost 3 and doesn't chew!
by: Anonymous

My son turns 3 in two months. He still doesn't chew solid foods. He does eat soft foods well.

Any help please. Like every other parents, things worry us!

Nov 17, 2011
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update
by: helen

since my last posting about my son who is 3 not chewing he has been discharged from occupational therapy and has another speech therapist for the eating who says he just gets bored of eating and have been told to put a crisp in his bite line to see if that will encourage him, i dont know how many of you mums have tried this but he wont let me anywhere near his mouth with a crisp. i know theres no miracle cure but theres got to be an easier way to encourage him to chew. any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Nov 17, 2011
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re facebook page
by: shelen

i have looked on facebook for your page but cannot find it. could you please post the title of the page please thankyou.

Nov 16, 2011
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Girls will not chew
by: Nikki

My twin girls were breastfed so I think young age feeding has nothing to do with them not chewing. I have been seen drs. as well to figure out why and not getting anywhere. My girls will be 3 in Jan but after many trying I can c that they are now trying to take food and chew them, it's not happening everyday but things are slowing moving to CHEW, with this I am also teaching them to swallow once they have chewed it as that's another thing they don't know, as they used to spit it out when given solids before.

I am hoping that it's just a teething issue as they didn't have their back teeth until recently they have started to come through, BUT that's what makes me move forward thinking it may or might change soon.

I offer them lollypops whenever I can as I don't know when they might just start chewing on them.

So mums lets keep on working hard and if there is a answer pls do share.

Nov 16, 2011
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my 4 yr old
by: Zaleena Hansen

victoria, what is the FB address ... page name for that you set up?

would love to get involve or meet anyone for us to talk about this sadness we have to go through daily.

Please feel free to contact me anytime ..
ZallyM@aol.com

Nov 16, 2011
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my 4 yr old
by: Zaleena Hansen

I would love to get more involve in this situation, cause my 4 yr old will not chew, eat on her own,or even say she is hungry, so far she is a normal child. I don't know who to contact or what to do about this, all the drs. r saying, her health and behavior is normal.
please feel free to contact me at
ZallyM@aol.com

Any comment or input will go a long way.

Nov 16, 2011
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2 1/2 year old can not chew
by: Viktoria

Hello,First and most importantly i have to say that my son was on Formula since birth! I want to know if kids with the same problem were ever breastfed at all! Second, my son was not introduced to solids until after age one . We used to put solids in front of him because the pediatrician said thats what we have to do and eventually he will pick it up and eat it. It never happened so around age one we started feeding him baby food solids.

My 2 . 5 year old son can not chew food. will only eat food mashed and i have to put applesauce on top of the spoon or some other kind of baby stage 2 food so he will swallow it. If i only give him regular food he will spit it out and if it goes s down the throat he ll gag or it will come up eventually. He refuses to self feed himself. The only thing he ate by himself so far was yoghurt. He has no problem drinking from cup or straw, but still insists on baby bottle for night time milk.

He was evaluated by Easter Seals when he was 2 and they said he has gag reflex. We have been seeing a speech occupational therapist for the past 6 months, she comes 1 / week . She said there is no need to come more often since i have to push the textures on his food so he will get use d to them and that s the way to do it.

I started a page on Facebook for Toddler Not Chewing, but no one has contacted yet. Please feel free to join on Facebook and write your everyday comments, concerns, etc. it will help us !

Oct 02, 2011
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My 4 ys old will not chew
by: Zaleena Hansen

I had wrote a long time ago about my four year old daughter will not chew,will not eat on her own and will not eat anything unless it is pureed, but no one responds, kind a surprise knowing other parents are going through the same feelings with their child.

I did put my name and email address for anyone to communicate with me so we can share the same experience, but guess it doesn't look like anyone cares to respond.
why have a blog/comments if no one is finding the time to discuss?
I am putting my information because I truly need someone to read my daughter issue and contact me so I can get some help/motivation.
Willing to work with anyone who is willing to help, very serious.
kind a disappointed no one is getting involve.

yours truly Zaleena Hansen
ZallyM@aol.com

Oct 02, 2011
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Just kep trying...
by: supermom

My little boy is 3 years old. We've also been struggling since he turned one. He also suffers form speech dyspraxia.I've started a blog http://supermom-curtis.blogspot.com with some food tips. Our dietician has him on Pedisure to add some weight. She advised that when you offer anything new try and keep two of these properties the same colour, texture and taste.It's a very slow and winding road just praise your child and yourself for every little victory.

Sep 06, 2011
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Have you thought of.......
by: Anonymous

My son was in a very similar place few yrs ago, he will sit with the food in his mouth and when force him to eat he would spite out. Then one day at the dentist they told us that he had tongue tie, this meant that he won't chew food like others and also will be delayed in talking n will have some funny words, when talking. WE saw a specialist and had the tongue tie procedure done and now he is eating, talking with no problems. Hope this might help some of you.

Sep 06, 2011
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eating problem
by: Zaleena Hansen

my daughter will be 4 in Oct and still doesn't eat any solid, chew or bite on anything.
All she eats is puree food 3 times daily, yogert,
water.
I wish someone can call me or help me though this.
So feeling desperate at times
My e mail ZallyM@aol.com

Sep 06, 2011
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my 3 year old son wont chew and doesnt talk
by: Anonymous

he cant speak many words and if food is too lumpy he will spit it straight back out. it's a relief to know im not alone. i cry myself to sleep at night wondering what ive done wrong. he has a speech therapist and has occupational therapy but it doesnt seem to change much and he has bad tantrums which i put down to his frustration at not being able to talk.

Aug 27, 2011
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My Grandson refuse to chew
by: Anonymous

My Grandson is going to be 4 soon and he refused to chew. He keep on saying that he is trying, but he can. We give him solids, he putted them in his mouth, spit it out saying "I can't do it"
Any advise.

Aug 26, 2011
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2 yr old grandson does not eat solid food
by: Anonymous

Need advice, my grandson 21 mos does not eat solid foods, he gags and throws up, he is normal in every other way, and his speech is excellent for his age group. He like pancakes and bread, but will spit it out if too dry so we make sure he has liquids with this food group. He eats very little at meal time, less than 4 ounces his mother is VietNamese and she feeds him rice soup with pureed vegetables and meat three times a day. We tried to introduce mashed potatoes, and very soft cooked veg and he gags and pukes them up. He is underweight for his age group by 7% and we are afraid the CPS will investigate. He is still on the bottle which his mother gives him at nap time and at bedtime, he can drink from a cup but they prefer a straw. He loves chocolate milk and all sweets.

What is most confusing is that he eats cherries, nectarines, bananas, grapes, and watermelon if cut super small. If anyone has any suggestion please email me at kathyshpprd@yahoo.com My son and the rest of the American family are getting frustrated. Many thank yous in advance

Aug 03, 2011
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my 4 yr old will not chew
by: Anonymous

My 4 yr old daughter will not chew, from birth she has been behaving very strange, by not wanting anything to eat ... she always vomit. As of now I am still feeding her puree with syringe. I have to feed her all day like that, she will never tell me she is hungry, she will never say she like or want something to eat, she kind a blank with this eating situation. I took her to her Dr, nothing is wrong, medically, she talks plays and interacts very nice, with no complain.
Can anyone help me my e mail is ZallyM@aol.com, please help .....

Jul 18, 2011
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no physiological probs yet he doesnt chew
by: Anonymous Indian

My son is three plus and doesn't chew solids either. I have tried all sorts of tricks to make him eat something solid, all he eats is pureed food. He has had all sorts of tests done, including ones for reflux and all have turned out to be negative. He is able to speak and articulate well, loves mixing up with all sorts of kids, plays with them, creates mayhem etc.

I have been to a therapist and she has suggested some things like using different textured stuff like cotton , even clean fingers etc inside the mouth >>in circular motions in inner cheeks, back and forth on the tongue and on inside area of his lips. She also suggested the same for the outer cheeks and over and above both upper n lower lips. I have been asked to do this for two months,almost two times a day.
This probably is to get him to accept different textures. Am awaiting the day he will chew on his first solids. There may be hope yet. I would suggest trying out these exercises to begin with and also try feeding them soft solids ( which he refuses or pukes on )without giving up; my whole house n furniture have spots of puke on them.

I have endured ridicule, and all sorts of comments from people. I am not bothered. Every child is different. this happens to be his only milestone he seems to have faltered on. Maybe in time it will be ok, till that time I cant let my child go hungry. In fact a couple of ppl have also suggested that I should not feed him for a couple of days,, I could ask them > would they do that with their own child?? Be brave,,we are mothers.

Apr 18, 2011
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will not chew
by: Anonymous

I have just over 2 yrs old twins n they won't chew any solid food either, but I make all sorts of food at home n blend them puree to feed them. I am sorry but very surprise to see how many mums are still buying stage 3 baby food for their toddlers age 2 n 3 or plus. What happened to the yummy homemade food....... just blend them.

Apr 18, 2011
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SON ALSO WOULDN'T CHEW
by: Anonymous

I was buying Stage 3 baby food for my son until he was a little over 3 yrs old. I finally found a speech therapist who worked so well with him, and 3 months into his therapy, he was biting on candy canes and CHEWING them. Before that had happened, I gave him a small piece of sugarless bubblegum and he practiced chewing it on his molars. He also had been a child who would lick foods, not chew using his molars. There IS hope...now at 4 yrs old, he eats anything and everything.

Apr 06, 2011
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3 yr old- texture aversions
by: Anonymous

My son is about to turn 3 and his speech is great, he can say most any words that myself and his father say, but his eating has not progressed since he was a baby. He will lick everything, but chew nothing. He is surviving on toddler yogurt, baby oatmeal and vitamin drops. Just today I tried to put 2 pieces of shredded cheese in with his yogurt and he freaked out and wouldn't chew it, almost threw up, then finally swallowed it. Can anyone on here tell me anything positive...maybe a child progressing from this? I keep seeing people with the same problem, but not many answers or stories where your child grew out of it or got successful help with it?...need advice.
thanks!!

Mar 13, 2011
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son will not eat anythang
by: Anonymous

My son stopped eating last year of 2010 12/31/2010 but before that he was eating great. Now i cant get him to eat anything at all. When he asks for something, he just licks on it but he will not eat it. It has been two months since he has ate. We still going back and forth from the doctors office trying to get my son help.

Mar 01, 2011
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2Year Old Daughter not eating
by: Anonymous

I have a 2 year old daughter and she will not eat ANY solid food. She eats stage 3 baby food, applesauce, yogurt, and gerber oatmeal. She will drink anything we put in her cup. I've tried mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, homemade noodles, and she will not touch them! She will not even eat the gerber yogurt puffs or veggie puffs. She says a hand-full of words, but that is about it. She crawled and walked a little later than normal, does she have a developmental issue? Our pediatrician does not offer much information.

Feb 06, 2011
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Girls gag and puke with solid food
by: Nikki

Hey, I have twin girls who have just turn 2. They gag and sometimes pukes whenever I give them solid foods. Since introducing baby food they have been eating pureed food, now I make their food n blend everything into puree and feed them. At times I leave it lumpy but they gag straight away n take it out. they don't even like chips or any finger food, they suck the taste out n give it back. They speech is very good, eating is very good (pureed food) but the only concern is not wanting to eat normal solid food.

My girls have (CF)cystic Fibrosis so keeping their food intake is very important so I don't have a problem doing these blending but when will they learn to chew for themself.

Please feel free to reply, thanks

Feb 02, 2011
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Two 1/2 year old dd not chewing at all
by: Anonymous

Oh my goodness, I am so relieved to see that I am not the only one struggling with this problem. My two 1/2 yr old dd has met most of her milestones late. I couldn't get her to eat stage 1 baby food til she was seven months. As a baby, she never really put toys or anything in her mouth, which I thought was unusual. Now, I have been struggling with teaching her to chew solid foods, while combating with my husband and mother-in-law on this matter. I am tired of having to mash all of her food up because of this problem. Her speech is pretty well, doesn't seem to have trouble with pronunciation or anything. None of her pediatricians (we've moved several times in the last year) have mentioned autism as a problem. Her former occupational therapist said she is a little behind socially tho. She said to try desensitizing her mouth using a toothbrush by placing it in various areas in her mouth, but she won't allow this, she closes her mouth up tight or runs away. Most times I find myself anymore being inconsistent with my teaching her on this, instead giving in and going back to just mashing her food up so she will eat. I've tried sometimes just forcing her to eat solid, unmashed food, but it always backfires, resulting in her barely eating anything throughout the day. My husband doesn't want to use any more outside therapy, he says I need to just be more consistent in teaching her myself. He's probably right, however I am quickly running out of ideas. Also tired of fighting He and his mother on this. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Jan 26, 2011
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my 4 year old still is not eating solid foods:(
by: Anonymous

wow im kind of surprised to see all these other people have the problem of their children not chewing solids, i thought i was the only one! My son is 4 with down syndrome, he does not talk or communicate much so that makes things harder to explain. I too have talked to doctors and had tests done on his throat every thing was fine. He does not gag but he will try to swallow things whole. Hes pretty sensitive with not letting textures (solid) in his mouth. he hates his teeth brushed or the z vibes they've tried on him to desensitize him and get him to chew on. Any advise? I dont understand how to make him move his food with his tongue to his teeth and chew. also any advise for getting him to talk? he says mama hi and ooh aah for like a year so he CAN talk i think but he wont move on from there.im trying to introduce signing but he doesn't pay attention to it.:( help?

Dec 19, 2010
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3 year old did not learn to chew and swallow with out gaging.
by: Anonymous

My son will be 4 Feb.1.Reflux,stomach or throat problems have been checked.He did not really begin talking until a few months ago.they call it dev.delay.He takes speech and occupational therapy and is doing wonderful,but he will not eat anything with texture.He wants to try things but is afraid to go thru with it.He was a little late on some of the milestones but has always met them.somewhere along the way it seems his brain skipped the step of chewing.All he will eat is pudding,stage 1 meats,and sometimes jar baby fruit and sweet potatoes,3rdstage baby food.He does drink alot of milk but it can give him trouble.yoo hoo,tea,dr.pepper are all he will drink alot of.How do I help him learn to to not be afraid and teach to chew and swallow?

Dec 10, 2010
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Son with DS age 7 does not chew
by: Anonymous

My son is 7 years old and has Down Syndrome. My son does not know how to chew and does not take any solids. My son has also skipped the baby stage of mouthing toys. About 2 years ago he started to suck on popcycles, this was a major break through because he learned that when a piece broke off it would melt and he would try to chew. We are at a standstill, no progress since then. We have had a revolving door of OTs - not one of them has helped us. We were lead down so many paths that just wasted time. Is there any success stories out there?

Oct 13, 2010
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My Two year old doesn't chew.
by: Anonymous

Same as all the other moms concern that, he'd hopefully start chewing. He loves his milk in a bottle, loves soft foods, like custard and Pap(Corn prepared cereal)things he doesnt have to chew. HE never picked up stuff to put in his mouth from the floor as a baby. If he's upset and he wants to express his displeasure, he throws up(sorry a bit graphic). I hope he'll grow out of it as he's in preschool and he's driving he's caregivers nuts as well as Mummy.
I love him dearly and i think forcing him to eat never goes as planned, we just end up changing clothes.

Aug 12, 2010
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Not Chewing his food related to later speech problems
by: Anonymous

Please please understand that not chewing food and speech problems can be related so if you notice your kid also slurs or in articulates or mumbles when he's 6 or 7 that he might have also had earlier 'feeding' problems. My son is now 24 and believe it or not I'm just now figuring out what the deal was. He still does not properly chew/masticate his foods, inhales and eats very quickly. He also has speech and oral vocal issues though his verbal IQ is very high. He works in a field where he has to do a lot of talking. His boss has gotten annoyed with him for the way he sometime speaks (using scripts over the phone) and wants him to slow down. Also, whenever I'm on the phone with him I have to constantly ask him to repeat what he's saying.

When he was younger, I told the doctors that he didn't chew his food and was met with suspicion of being a over protective mother. He also had digestive stomach problems which IMO had everything to do with NOT chewing his food up. I wish I knew now what I didn't know then which was that he needed more individual assessment for speech problems that started as an oral feeding issue.

There's a term called Dsyphagia that has to do with articulation and oral skills. I'm also noticing that most of the children with these kinds of problems are BOYS. I wonder if statistically this is true? My son also ended up having some pretty severe behavioral problems but I feel largely responsible because so much between us became a power struggle that his defenses rose too quickly when I tried to get him to do something correctly. It was like I was flying in the dark and had no understanding of what I was dealing with.

Today he is doing pretty well and we are working some of the 'old baggage' out but I've yet to bring up the speech/chewing thing to him for fear of triggering sensitivities. Just know none of you are crazy. I would absolutely suggest sticking with a speech therapist/occupational therapist that is intuned with your childs overall personality and abilities. Also understand that just because you dont see progress right away doesn't mean in 2 years you wont...so keep at it.

Jul 19, 2010
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my two yr old does not know how to chew
by: angelina

my son is a very small boy only weight 21 pounds. he has been diagnosed with autism in june 2010.I am glad to hear my son isn't the only one who eats solid foods people think im not doing my job as a parent right but who are we to force are children to eat. this been a slow process but im hoping he will get better at eating. on a daily basis he prefers to drink milk rather than eat. he only eats yogurt applesauce some oatmeal to help him gain calories a nutritionist suggests mash avocados with his yogurt give him mashed boiled eggs with mayo. So far no changes.

Jun 10, 2010
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my three year old does not chew.
by: Anonymous

My three year old son also has the same problem. He does not chew the food. He often runs here and there and bites anything that comes his way. He does not sit stable at a time. We had taken him for occupational and speech therapy three four times. But I dont think it will help so i stopped it. He is very thin and a slow weight gainer. He also has short attention span. Can anybody help me to find out what is his actual problem.

Jun 08, 2010
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I can offer hope
by: Anonymous

Hello,

My 3 year old is the same. Has been on pureed or mashed food since he was a baby. Eats a good quantity but can never handle a morsel of rice or anything else. He seems to have developed an aversion to most food item. Recently (within the last 6 months) he has started to snack on some chips and cookies. He would nibble or gnaw before swallowing.

We have never consulted a doctor because his cousin of 9 years used to be just like this and by the time he was 5 he had learned to overcome this difficulty. He would still be picky about certain foods but had improved a great deal. We are going to sit it out !!

Hope this helps !

Apr 26, 2010
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chewing problem
by: Anonymous

Hello i have the same problem with my son. It seems like nothing id helping. He is on Pepcid. Speech therapist. We do a lot of oral stimulation like Zvib, NUK brush. But he is not progressing.A ny suggestions. Please help.

Mar 11, 2010
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$ yr old can't chew
by: Anonymous

I have a three year old son who will be turning four in May. He is unable to chew and eats only pureed foods. He has had tonsillitis a few times which caused vomiting, which I think, coupled with his sensory issues has led to this problem. He hates eating ... he gags and sometimes vomits. Progress is REALLY slow --- initially, we had to DESEED and mash bananas. He has been to on occupational therapist, but it didn't seem to be worth the upheaval as i didn't see any progress. We have had one session with a speech therapist who has instructed us to use a feeding teether to try to teach him to chew.

If I knew that he'd outgrow this, i'd feel better. My concern is that his affecting our choice of school, and most likely his participation at school. He is NOT being naughty; he really tries but struggles. I feel for him .... and I also "lose it
" despite trying not to. Someone, please give me hope!

Oct 23, 2009
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Won't eat solids
by: Anonymous

My son developed severe reflux at 6 months. Vomited constantly. Refused the bottle. By the time he was given medication he already refused to eat. Had an NG tube for 2 months before I found a Pediatric Feeding Disorder Specialist. Dr. Meeta Patel was an angel from god. She came to our home and "fixed" him in 3 days. (Ok... more to the story). When he was moved from the bottle to purees he did great. But when solids were introduces he did horrible. Dr Patel came out again and she said he did not know how to chew and move the food around with his tongue so she taught him and again she "fixed" him. My son also has Mixed Receptive Expressive Language Disorder and was a micro preemie at birth. There is hope. You can read about Dr. Patel at www.Klinic4kidz.com

Mayra....Mishel's mom

Sep 24, 2009
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Grandson does not chew
by: Anonymous

You have described my grandson to the tee. he is 3yr old and does not chew either, he began his gaggin an vomiting with food at age12 mos an has limited diet, of sausage, chicken nuggets and choc milk chips on a good day, drinks threw a straw an nothing but water or choc milk, his speech is good for his age, very intelligent, we have been involved with OT and ST and NO diagnosis of SID , we haven't tried jello or apple sauce threw a straw, but anything with a smooth texture he gags....Please any suggestions? I notice when he takes bites of food he always bites with his side teeth never uses his front teeth. Acid reflux? Please we are desperate he will soon start preschool and need help soon. I am a worried and concerned MIMI

Sep 19, 2009
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son will not chew
by: Anonymous

As a parent of a SID. Please don't see your child as not telling the truth! Every child tells the truth, unless they were taught to lie.

Yes, the OT telling you about his reflux and scaring is true. Don't make it a big issue infront of your child. He hears your conversation, so please be private with your conversation about him. Treat your son and stick with the food that he can eat. He will get help and work with your son. Give him the foods he can eat and work on the development with gerber 2 or 3 baby food. If he sees you believe in him and you are working along with him then maybe he will try his hardest cuz his mom believes in him and will help him through this chew problem. Have you tried a straw? How is his sucking ability? (applesauce, jello in a container, drinkable yogurts) fish graham crackers with a little water to soften them / then he can gum them. Meijers or walmart toddler fruit or veg. they disolve in their mouth (gum them).

Get with a certified OT and nutrition and see what they say. keep your head up cuz your son sees everything and senses your positiveness.
Fish

Sep 19, 2009
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Son not Chewing
by: Anonymous

I am a pediatric OT. His chewing may be related to the reflux or related to some scarring in his trachea/esophagus due to the reflux. (I.E., refusal to chew because the swallow might hurt). It must be differentiated that he does not have the ability to chew vs. not chewing because of other reasons. It could also be due to very weak jaw muscles and a weak tongue. What is his clarity of speech like?

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Son will not chew

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