What is a Pediatric Feeding Disorder?
A Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) is a condition of impaired oral intake that impacts a child’s medical status, growth and nutrition, social and skill development, and daily family functioning. Feeding disorders are different than common feeding challenges in young children that are typically short-lived and do not impact the child’s overall growth and development. For children with more significant feeding disorders, the child may not consume enough volume or variety of food/drink to gain weight and sufficient nutrition for proper growth and development. These mealtime challenges have a significant impact on school placement, social opportunities, and family routines.