Picky Eating in Children | Autism & ADHD Therapy in Kolkata

Picky eating in children can affect growth, health, and family life. Ayush Speech & Hearing Clinic, Kolkata, offers expert therapy for picky eating, autism, ADHD, and child nutrition.

Picky Eating in Children (Feeding Disorder)

Food is a basic need, but for many children, eating becomes a challenge. Some children eat only a few selected foods and reject everything else. This is called Picky Eating.

Picky eating is not just a habit—it can affect a child’s physical growth, mental development, and social behavior. It is commonly seen in all children, but it becomes more serious in those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Key Signs of Picky Eating

• Limited food choices: Child prefers only 3–4 food items.

• Fear of new foods: Gets uncomfortable when touching, smelling, or tasting something new.

• Sensory sensitivity: Avoids certain textures (crunchy, sticky, soft), prefers only one color (like white/yellow), rejects strong-smelling foods.

• Food refusal: Cries, throws food, or gets angry when forced to eat.

• Slow eating: Eats very small bites and takes too long to finish.

Causes of Picky Eating in Children

• Sensory sensitivity – strong reaction to food texture, color, or smell (common in autism).

• Developmental stage – food neophobia (fear of new foods) between ages 2–6.

• Digestive issues – constipation, gas, or stomach pain.

• Negative experiences – past allergy or vomiting leads to food refusal.

• Family environment – limited food at home, eating while watching TV/mobile, or strict mealtime rules.

Effects of Picky Eating

• Nutritional deficiency: Lack of vitamins (A, C, D), iron, calcium, and protein.

• Poor physical growth: Low height and weight compared to other children.

• Weak immunity: The Child falls sick more often.

• Behavioral problems: Irritability and stress during mealtime.

• Family stress: Parents worry about proper nutrition.

How to Manage Picky Eating

• Gradual introduction: Offer small portions of new food without pressure.

• Positive mealtime environment: Switch off TV/mobile, eat together as a family.

• Encourage & praise: Appreciate even small efforts to try new foods.

• Dietician support: Balanced meal plans for proper nutrition.

• Occupational therapy in Kolkata: Helps reduce sensory food issues.

• Child psychologist in Kolkata: Works on improving food-related behavior.

Conclusion

Picky eating is a common but challenging problem that can affect a child’s growth and family harmony. With the right guidance, therapy, and patience, children can overcome picky eating and develop healthy eating habits.

At Ayush Speech & Hearing Clinic, Kolkata, our team of speech therapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, and child psychologists provides specialized therapy for picky eating, autism, ADHD, and child nutrition issues.

📍 Searching for Picky Eating Therapy in Kolkata? Contact Ayush Clinic today to support your child’s healthy growth and balanced diet.

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