It Has A Name
After four years of struggling to get our youngest to eat even enough to sustain his growth and energy for daily activities; after visits to specialists in gastroenterology, nutrition, speech, occupational therapy, and psychology; and after trying numerous methods of forcing, coercing, and distracting him into eating, some of which resulted in tears and frustration for all involved, none of which resulted in significant increases in his food intake, we finally have a name, and thereby a reason, for why Connor chooses not to eat. Today, after completing piles of forms and questionnaires and a three-hour interview with a child psychiatrist, occupational therapist, nutritionist, and gastroenterology nurse at Children’s Medical Center in DC, Connor has been diagnosed with Infantile Anorexia and Sensory Food Aversions. Children with Infantile Anorexia lack appetite, which leads to disinterest in feeding, and to food refusal. Children with Sensory Food Aversions consistently refuse to eat certain foods related to the taste, texture, smell, and/or appearance of the food. Put the two together and you have a child who rarely experiences hunger and when he does he is reluctant to eat anything other than his favorite, tried-and-true foods, and even those he only nibbles – that is Connor in a nutshell! My understanding of the treatment for preschoolers is that it centers around their behaviors related to food – for example, Connor’s anxiety related to foods and his refusal to sit at the table during meal times – rather than working to increase his food repertoire. This comes later, when the child is able to better understand the cognitive reasons for his anxiety toward food. So, for now Patrick and I will meet with the child psychiatrist to learn how to approach and manage Connor’s behavior toward food. Connor will continue with occupational therapy to address his many sensory-related behaviors. Interestingly, many of Connor’s other behaviors may also be the result of the Infantile Anorexia. As the psychiatrist said, “Children with IA have a love of and intense interest in everything, except food! They live life to the fullest.” Sound like anyone we know?