PLEASE HELP I think DD8 has some sort of eating disorder

[diannescruffy]

DD8 hardly eats anything and the foods she does eat are limited. She doesn't eat any meat, limited vegies and fruit. The thing that worries me the most is when she does eat certain foods she will often start to gagg and looks like she is chocking so she will go and spit the food out. She also keeps food in her mouth for a long time just chewing and chewing. I always tell her to take a bite, chew then swallow. Sometimes I see her with her mouth so full because she keeps on taking bites and won't swallow. Yesterday it took her half an hour to eat a piece of toast, which doesn't worry me because I'm happy she's eating it but I know it's not normal. I have taken her to our GP who says she will grow out of it but somehow I don't think it's a phase. She won't try anything new only sticks to the foods she knows she can eat and it's mainly the softer in texture foods. Can anyone give me any advice on what I can do to help her or if there is apart from GP another professional that could help her. I often lay awake at night worrying because I know she is not getting the nutrition she needs.

Regards,
Dianne

[shellbell3]

If you are worried maybe get referral to speech pathologist to look into if there is any physical problems with swallowing.

[Eenee]

Maybe you could get her to see a speech pathologist just to make sure there is not something behind her actual swallowing issue just to rule it out.

Also if it is an eating related disoder maybe you could get her to see a dietitian cos most dietitians have experience with eating dosorders.

And then i'd probably get her to talk to a psychologist if the other two things don't help

[Pandora]

Yep Id want to be sure its not something to do with her oesophagus. My cousins DP has problems swallowing lots of foods and for a long time all he would eat was soggy breakfast cereals and jelly.
My mum also has a (different) condition that affects her swallowing and again the types of foods she can eat.

[diannescruffy]

I was thinking about a dietician to help her. Last year I took her to counselling because I thought it may be related to the death of her sibling because it all seemed to start when he was stillborn and she took it really badly but he said she seemed to be ok. He worked with her for a while. Never thought about speech pathology, thanks.

Regards,
Dianne

[Curly]

Any dental problems maybe?

[Sammiejane]

Just want to give you a Must be so worrying for you.
the others have already said what i was going to suggest, so no additional suggestions from me

[Dollyroux]

Once you've ruled out any physical issues with the Speech Path (and they may suggest this too) I would also look at any sensory issues - she may have an issue in regards to different sensations, processing them etc.

Not all Speech Paths have knowledge regarding swallowing issues, especially in peadatrics, so I would ask your GP for a referral to one that has experience in the area. You can also contact Speech Pathology Australia to give you a name that would be good in this area. You will get seen quicker going private then public but it can be exxy - good luck!

[sirenz]

could I suggest to you that perhaps it could be a fear of choking?

I suffered this condition for many years (along with other anxiety) and I would only eat soft foods and foods i was familiar with and I would NEVER eat when I was by myself. I ended up losing weight and got down to 42kg. After seeking help from my dr, I was placed on medication and I have since recovered from this condition.

This seemed to develop for me after my grandfather passed away (I took it pretty hard as he meant alot to me) and as you suggested it seemed to start for your dd after the birth of your angel ds.

Can you get a second opinion or maybe ask your dd if she is scared of choking? It is a very sensitive issue and can be embarrasing to talk about with someone. I know i felt really stupid the first time I mentioned it to the dr.

good luck. Let us know how you go.