Feeding Disorder of Early Childhood is a disorder where young children do not eat enough and do not gain weight properly. They may refuse to eat entirely or throw tantrums. It is a serious problem requiring prompt medical intervention.
You said that you were concerned that your child does not eat enough. You said your child has
not gained enough weight or has lost weight over the past month. Sometimes young children are picky
eaters and do not eat much. But your child may have some days when s/he will not eat at all. Some
children who have feeding problems may be hard to deal with. They may have temper tantrums or get
very upset when you try to get them to eat.
Your child may have a serious problem related to his/her eating. It is important for you to get
help to deal with your child's feeding problems. You want to be sure that your child is getting enough to
eat so s/he can grow healthy and strong. Most children who get help for this problem are able to eat more
and gain weight. Your child's doctor will tell you the best way to deal with these problems.
American Academy of Pediatrics (1996). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Primary Care. Elk Grove Village,
Illinois: Author.
American Psychiatric Association (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Fourth Edition (1994).
