10 year old male with texture issues with food

by tori
(linden, ca)

My son has always been a picky eater. It started out when he was young feeding him healthy shakes so I knew he was getting all his vegetables and fruits. He would only eat. He still will not and only does rice, cheese tortillas, french toast, little pizza, little chicken nuggets.

He will never eat a piece of fruit if whole, any vegetables if whole, meat, fish etc.

I think he is not growing like he should and is socially a little behind. He is so afraid of getting hurt when he plays.

Really would appreciate any help!!!!!

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Aug 19, 2016
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brain balance?
by: debcom

I would be interested in hearing what this Brain Balance program is. My 11 yr old gas been having terrible outbursts and problems with organizing school work, her room's a mess etc. We had her assessed and we're told it was her limited diet-she eats mostly carbs (crackers goldfish, rice, cereal,pasta with butter cheese and peanut butter and fast food type stuff-fries nuggets weiners.

She has texture issues. Gags at lumps in yogurt hates lumpy or gooey anything.likes everything crisp. Dr suggests removing all grains and dairy . Says the brain gets addicted to carbs the more sge eats the more she craves...she's 5ft and 79 lbs so trying to figure out .

Jun 07, 2015
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10 yr. Old won't eat
by: Anonymous

My son is 10 and is beyond picky. He has never eaten meat of any kind...ever. He only eats oatmeal, mac & cheese (Kraft), chips & salsa, crescent rolls, mandarin Oranges, peanut butter & crackers, certain pizzas, some chips and of course, sweets. That's it. He has NEVER had a hot dog, burger, fries, spaghetti or even a sandwich. We have tried everything to get him to eat...he won't even try new things. Doctors don't seem concerned,but it is so frustrating. Help!

Jun 03, 2015
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my 10 year old son wont ear meals
by: Anonymous

Hi my ten year old son wont eat his meals he will only eat chocolate maccys fries and cheese but when it comes to his meals he just picks at the food or spits it out says is mouth is icthy and he might choke x am getting reallt worried now as Iiits been over a week now .hes small and thin as it is can someone please help

Apr 08, 2015
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Fussy eater
by: Anonymous

My son is 12 and from the age of about 2 started becoming fussy with food. I let it go thinking it was a phase. But to this day he remains a fussy eater. I do think its psychological. Because no one can be surrounded by delicious food and not be tempted to try something. We've been to buffets and he hasn't had a thing to eat. He only eats hot dogs, burgers, nuggets, packet noodles, omelette, all sorts of bread, drinks milk and all juices, plain boiled rice, apples, strawberries, and grapes. No doesn't eat a single vegetable. And all these things have to be of a cretain brand. I don't know what to do. He cannot go through life like that. I feel it will effect his social life. It does already. He refuses to go to the doctors. What do I do?

Mar 08, 2015
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Melina, my 13 eat hardly anything
by: Diane I

My 13 year old son only eats the following entre foods: pizza, chicken tenders, bacon, plain pasta with butter (this is new and if it isn't quite right, he gets grossed out), or a peanut butter sandwich (certain kinds). Fruits are watermelon of apples. Veggies only raw carrots, cucumbers, corn.

He ate everything as a baby but slowly started pushing food away as a toddler. Maybe I made the mistake of refusing to let him go to bed hungry because I gave him an alternative if he did not like what was for dinner. He likes crackers, sweets, and soda. The only juice he will drink is apple. If he puts anything else in his mouth he gags. I will not force or pressure him.

When I was young my father force fed me vegetables and now I cannot eat most of them. My son is just over 6' 160lbs perfect physique. The pediatrician says a picky eater is ok. He will not be malnourished as long as he is eating. I worry about la k of protein but the dr reassured me. I remember being picky and think anything with melted cheese, mayonnaise, or casseroley was absolutely disgusting. Then in late high school I had some kind and of epiphany and are potato salad on vacation. I starting eating everything except what I was force fed. I try not to worry too much about it. I tell him he cannot go on a date and order chicken nuggets. My son will likely go to boarding school within an hour from home. I do worry about what he will eat but on the other hand, I know he will eat something rather than starve. If he never changes, I guess it's not the worst flaw to have.

Feb 25, 2015
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19 year old girl
by: Anonymous

I'm a 19 year old female and a freshman in college. Its crazy reading these stories and realizing I'm not the only one. I've always been a picky eater and have huge texture issues. The only things i eat are; cheese, bread, peanut butter, any fruit, carrots, celery, chicken stops but only if there are more breading than meat, mash potatoes (but if it is even the slightest bit lumpy its over), cereal, steak(this is relatively new within the last two years), and a few other dry things. Sauces are my worse nightmare, ranch, bbq, mustard ect. the only one i can eat is ketchup and even then it is very light and if it gets on my skin its disgusting. I can't do onions at all, if it ends up in my mouth 9/10 times i will throw up. Do you know how many freaking foods have onions??? My grandfather used to yell and force me to eat foods but it just made me less likely.

Ive tried some new foods in the last few years at friends houses because they just left me alone about it. But I have the problem of only being able to eat it if cooked by a specific person or place. And god forbid if my food touches. It doesn't really get better as I get older but it does get some new foods. If left alone I generally just eat bread and cheese. Thus why I am overweight even though I play every sport possible to my (softball, basketball, floor hockey, volleyball, flag football, soccer, weightlifting, ect) Im a huge sports person but the inability to not gag or throw up when introduced to new foods makes it hard to stay a healthy weight. There are some foods if I so much as smell it I want to puke (cabbage, tuna, ext)

Feb 23, 2015
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does my daughter have a disorder
by: Rachel smith

My daughter is eleven and she thinks that if she eats certain things or touches certain things that it will kill her what is that disorder called or if their is one please help me???

Feb 16, 2015
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My 3 yr old only eats only 4 things, please help!!
by: Nicole

My 3 old would eat anything as a baby then when he turned one that changed he slowly stopped eating meat besides chicken, hot dogs and corn dogs. He turned 1 right after we found out his papa had cancer they were very close and then at 18mo he quit meat all together and now the only things he will eat are mashed potatoes once in awhile and peanut butter, mac&cheese and the mini pancakes but you they only way he will eat those is if you call them dinosaur eggs and pop tarts. If you try to get him to try new things he screams, gag throw up. his weight overall is pretty good he is very active and very smart. I'm getting ready to put him in head start and I know they aren't going to have the patience with him like I do!! But I would love for him to try new things I know there are so many things he would like if he would just try them. Thank you very much!!

Jan 16, 2015
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I think my 13 year old son is SPD
by: Melia

I say that I think that he is SPD because we have not received an official diagnosis. As a baby, he ate everything, but as he transitioned to textured baby foods and table foods he stopped.

At first, I blamed the day care he attended. They didn't want to have to feed him baby food, so the college girls just gave him fries and cookies from their own lunches. To this day, my son only eats peanut butter, potato chips (certain brands), french fries, chicken nuggets & strips (only from certain places), Oreos, a plain ham sandwich from Subway (won't eat ham at home), brisket from a local BBQ place, crackers (Club or Ritz), and I think that sums it up. He drinks sodas, Gatorade, water, and in the last few months has started drink strawberry Danimals yogurt drinks and chocolate Boost Plus. He will not drink the strawberry banana Danimals or any other flavor Boost.

He is around the 4% in height and 13% in weight, or something very close to that. We have been attending high school open houses and at every school a teacher says to him, "Well, you won't be coming next year. Are you just checking things out early?" And every time we have to say that yes he will be attending and that he is just short. Aside from what appears to be stunted growth, there are no other delays. He is a very intelligent boy who is taking advanced classes and runs cross country. I'm not concerned for his mental faculties so much as his physical development. He is going into high school. I know kids can be cruel. How is he going to deal with the locker room when he is the size of a fifth grader?

He has been to a pediatric GI recently and had an upper and lower GI done as well as a CT. They are trying to help us figure it out, but no one around here really knows much about SPD. They want to say that maybe he has Crohn's or something. He could, but I don't think that would cause him to gag and vomit when he puts a new food in his mouth. I try not to pressure him about it, but I did have it out with him last night. I think it is all mental and that he has to want to overcome this eating issue for himself. He is thirteen and he doesn't seem to care.

His 16 month old sister eats better than he does and I don't want her following in his footsteps by seeing that big brother eats other stuff and wanting to do the same. She is at an age where she just wants to do what he does. I'm at my wits end!

Jan 04, 2015
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My 14 year old daughter
by: Anonymous

My daughter have always been a great eater eating all her food but since she was 9 or 10 she stopped eating everything she says she doesn't like fruit or veg or pretty much all the foods she liked as a child. Now she only eats pizza chicken nuggets chips sausages and occasionally mash but if she finds one lump she stops eating because she only eats junk she is a little overweight but is still very active she was and I worry still is being bullied about her weight I know she skips breakfast and when I ask her why she says she doesn't want to a fat anymore also the school have told me she's not eating lunch somedays but she insists she does and dinner I don't know whether she eats it or not because she takes it upstairs even though I ask her to eat it downstairs with me. I worry about somedays she eats to much and others she hides her food and doesn't eat and thoughts days are becoming more common is there any thing I can do to help her

Dec 12, 2014
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worried
by: Anonymous

My son is 8 yrs old and every since he was old around 4 yrs old he has been a very picky eater. He will only eat pizza and pancakes grilled cheese sandwiches and oatmeal and peanut butter sandwiches... And occasionly chicken nuggets. If u make him take a bite of meat or anything other then these foods he automatically gags and throws up. Im worried that all the cheesy foods and no meats is gonna hurt his intestines. He is defently not underweight.. possibly even a little overweight.

Nov 13, 2014
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To Alison - From Alma
by: Alma

Hi Alison,

I'm so very sorry I have not responded. I could not for the life of me find this page again until today. I'll tell you what I can to help!

First off, do NOT blame yourself or think any less of the parent you are. My mom has told me numerous times that she felt like she wasn't a good parent because I wasn't eating well and I did at times very much dislike her because her and my dad would tell me to try new foods, place a piece of food up to my mouth, touch it to my lips, etc. I hated all of this and resented food more because of it. That is until my parents stopped pressuring me so often and just started loving their food and showing how much they did love it and love me for the person I was. Their love of food intrigued me along with seeing my younger sister (who is 9 years younger than me) start to enjoy foods and have no issues with anything she ate. I wanted to try foods because ultimately I wanted to enjoy the same foods they were enjoying so much.

Does he have any flavoring likeness with foods? Oddly for me, I have always hated bland foods. I wouldn't touch pasta for years (even today I only eat penne with lots of sauce) and I still won't eat potatoes or large fries/potato wedges. I did like spice though. For me, my breakthrough to meats was with crunchy meats such as really crispy bacon or I would literally put pepperoni in the microwave until it was crispy and then I would eat it. This gave me the protein my parents so wanted me to eat and it also still gave me that crunch I was so comfortable with. Once I loved the food, I saw that I could eat it with other things that weren't as scary to me (waffles with bacon, pizza with pepperoni) and it was also important to ME to try and find foods that would allow me to go and hang out with my friends (pizza was always at parties and waffles I could get if I went to a breakfast place).

Something I had to learn in high school because my lunch consisted of doritos and peanut butter, a cookie, and some kind of cracker, was that I needed to be comfortable in my own skin. I needed to realize that my eating problem was a part of me and I needed to find friends who would accept me and didn't care what I ate. While my eating problem was a part of me it wasn't what defined me and it still doesn't define me. I'm in graduate school now with all new people and while I've gotten weird looks from my roommates and new classmates I simply say, "Yeah, I am picky but I get the nutrients I need. I'm a creature of habit, I like what I like." But what they don't see and sometimes what no one but me sees is I'll see a food I find intriguing or smells good or looks good and behind closed doors I'll try it on my own. Yes, sometimes it doesn't go well and I gag, but I knew I had tried it and I always know I'll have the support of my parents and true friends.

The scariest part for me (and I'm sure it has crossed your mind) was the idea of college. I worked so hard during my last 2 years of high school to find foods I could always find at college to keep my nutrients up. I was comfortable with bacon and pepperoni now, so I knew a protein I could find anywhere was chicken. I started with Burger King Chicken fries because it was mostly crunchy outside with a little bit of chicken. You could try frozen chicken fries I like those. But I would only eat them if they had buffalo sauce. Sauces became my BEST friends. I loved flavor and if I had enough flavor on my foods then I could forget about the meats I was eating. From there, I used the sauces on chicken that weren't as crispy (chicken nuggets from fast food places, from there I went to chicken fingers and now I enjoy grilled chicken with no sauce but lots of seasoning). Once I liked chicken, I threw it into a salad with crunchy croutons and a lot of dressing. I also started to enjoy subs with pepperoni and salami with melted cheese because I still had a crunchy bun when toasted and I had those flavors I like and was comfortable with. This gave me a good set up for college. Throughout college, I had friends that gave encouragement without being pushy. I started trying new things because I saw new things my best friends liked and eventually my palate started to change. It's slow going but I've started to enjoy a fresher taste.

I'm not sure if your son struggles with this still, but I still struggle with a gag reflex every day. It has taken me 22 years to get it under control to where I can try foods without spitting it discretely into a napkin. It takes time, and I believe for me it was mind over matter. He can do it. Let him know he can do this. It's hard, believe me I know, but it is something that will improve if he believes he can do it. I had to realize that this was MY problem not my parents problem. He may say you were cruel for not trying harder when he was a kid, but ask him, would he have thought you were an angel if you shoved food down his throat? Would he have enjoyed being forced to see a food therapist every day? I bet he says no, and if he says yes then offer up the idea of a food therapist now. Maybe now let him know just how amazing of a person he is and help him to build that confidence in himself.

I know you stated he does not want to go and see anybody, but if he would like to talk with someone else who has gone through this have him contact me. My email is lilmac1015@aol.com I'd be happy to talk with him as a friend :) And if you have any other questions I'd be happy to try and help! I can even ask my mom about her experiences if that would be helpful :)

Jun 09, 2014
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A Mom with a Teenager with SPD - Letter to Alma
by: Alison

To All

Thank you, to everyone who has shared their stories.

I wondered, with no offense, if I could direct my comment to Alma, although this may resonate with others.

My son was born 1 month premature. Long story short, he was blue, couldn't breath, was colicky, couldn't breastfeed/nurse, had to give him predigested formula. His gag reflex was highly significant. He would cry at every sound, sleep for only minutes at a time, I would have to walk him around the house in a stroller, etc. He was eating oatmeal, noodles and marinara sauce, etc, but then around the age of 2 stopped. He would scream if any foods went onto his skin, such as salad dressing, etc. The only thing he will eat and has for the last 15 years (he will be 17 next month), (and I'm not kidding), waffles with a small amount of real syrup, crispy french fries, cheerios, crackers and peanut butter, dorito spicy chips, popcorn, crackers (like goldfish or soup crackers) - the pattern? crispy and bland colour, except for the doritos, he will drink Boathouse protein chocolate drinks, ice tea, sweet drinks, but no juices, so I don't allow soda pop (because of all the sugar). He started eating a slice of pizza once in a while - once every 2mths, the same for a baked potato. He does not eat veggies or fruits or meat. That's it. He's 6ft and weighs 128 lbs. He thinks that I am annoying. He loves me, yes, but he thinks that I am cruel. I was picky as well, as a child, but I ate more foods with more textures. I'm concerned. He's a smart guy, very kind, nurturing and lovely, but I fear for his health. I have taken him to doctors, offered stars (as a child), did everything that I could. He doesn't remember any of this and accuses me that I didn't try (sadly, his girlfriend has put this into his mind about me), however, she's slowly seeing that she cannot help him either. I support him, but now he has no muscle mass and after playing a game of paintball, stayed in bed all day yesterday, missed some school today and told me that I am cruel because I told him that he should try to eat more foods, or more of the ones that he will eat, because he is low on protein and calories. Alma, may I ask this, because I dearly dearly love my son, with all of my heart - do you have any suggestions for me, as a parent, since you have gone through so much of what my son is going through - the foods you have mentioned are almost exactly what my son will only eat. Can I please ask with sincere gratitude, can you offer me any advice or suggestions as a parent? (He refuses to see anyone for his, doctor, counselor, anyone). Thank you, with all my heart, Alison

Nov 17, 2013
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my son is 10 and doesnt eat
by: Pedro

My son is 10 now and is really picky he just eat bread, cheese slices, oatmeal, cream of wheat and pancakes and some white rice this is driving me crazy , I took him to the pediatrician and he said he is healthy and that nothing is wrong but he don't eat any proteins, what I can do ???? I have try everything, reward, prizes, even leave him hungry and nothing , please any idea will be helpful, plugo646@hotmal.com my email

Oct 21, 2013
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21 year old survivor
by: Alma

It's interesting I came across this site because it's exactly what I would have described myself as when I was 10.

Ever since I was a child, I've really hated foods. I can't remember the exact age but from around 3 years of age, I refused to eat most foods. My diet consisted of crackers, chips, peanut butter, and sweets for almost all of my meals. I added in french fries around the age of 5 as long as they were crispy and loved having ketchup with them. I only drank juices such as grape and orange juice. Yogurt was my only source of dairy. I didn't eat any meats, vegetables, or fruits until I was around 12 or 13 and even then it was only Bacon and pepperoni for meat, shredded cheese, and corn on the cob for vegetables. I can't explain exactly what I felt was wrong, but today I would express it as a dislike of a lot of textures and taste because anything I put to my mouth made me gag and turn away from all foods.

My mother took me to a dietician to try and help me become more comfortable with food. Personally as a child, I couldn't stand her, but today I realize she did help me stop and really look at food and think "Am I just stubborn and don't want to try it or do I really have a problem with it?"

As I grew into my teenage years, I realized taste was a HUGE factor for all the foods I started to eat. I still am very picky but I love salads, a lot of fruit, carrots/corn/cucumbers, I eat chicken, pork, hot dogs, and sausage. I eat pizza, but only certain toppings because I am a creature of habit and what I like I stick with.

I know my mother was worried about me for years because I wasn't getting a balanced diet whatsoever and I do still take a daily vitamin to help cover some of the things I don't get in my diet. If you feel better taking your child to a doctor or dietician then do so, it may be exactly what they need. For me, I have grown into the foods I like now and my parents try not to pressure me into eating things I don't like; they will continue to encourage me to try new foods and even my friends now know what kinds of new foods I would like, but I still hesitate a lot.

It's perfectly normal for him to have texture issues and have a gag reflex because that is exactly what I had, but I just had to find techniques and foods that worked for me.

Hope this helps whoever is reading this...I'm 21 and I'm surviving and slowly working through these problems one day at a time!

May 06, 2013
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adult view
by: Lindsey Conrad

Don't trust your doctors about them growing out of it! When I was little I was just the same as your children, I couldn't eat spaghetti o's, or a ton of other things. When I had to eat it, it came right back up. I AM STILL THIS WAY!!!! I eat a very limited diet, I wish my mother had went to a dietician about me to figure something out when I was little! I eat chicken, occasionally hamburgers, pizza with very light sauce and only cheese or sausage if from simple simons only.... and some other things. And I go through spells. I only ate Mac n cheese for about 3 months. I've been eating hamburgers for about a week now. I am worse than I was as a child, now I can only eat certain brands of things, my food can't touch, and I will only eat one thing at a time. If I have chicken strips and fries, the chicken goes onto a napkin and I eat all my fries first. The only thing I eat now that I wouldn't when I was little is crab legs with lemon juice. I can't eat sandwiches, burritos, nothing like that. And I completely understand what your children mean about the smell of other peoples food making them sick and seeing it is even worse, it makes me nauseous. Please get them help, you don't want them to be grown and find eating at a restaurant nauseating to the point that they don't eat their own food.

May 04, 2013
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son picky and gags
by: cierra

I'm glad I found this page. My son ate anything til he was about 1. He then started to eat nothing but chicken nuggets pizza every once while grilled cheese or spaghetti. Now to only chicken from McDonalds and pizza only from places none frozen. And still the every once while spaghetti and grilled cheese. He refuses to eat anything else. All he has to do is touch fruit or vegetable and will gag. He doesn't like sweets just chocolate chip cookies nothing else. He won't drink water and only chocolate milk hates cake ice cream only milkshakes. He's 2 1/2 now doctor says phase and to not give in what he wants but hell go days without eating or drinking. I give him pedia sure and vitamin he's weight fine and height great but sometimes won't even eat pizza or chicken and go all day without eating and if does eat usually only 1 time day. If puts in mouth what he don't like will gag. And doctors aren't understanding....

Apr 20, 2013
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My 8 year old son barely eats
by: Anonymous

My 8 year old son ate pretty good as a baby. he ate all the baby foods, even the vegetables. But ever since he was about 2 years old, he has been very picky. His favorite meals are: Nutella on bread, shredded cheese in a bowl, or Kraft singles on bread.

Other things he only eats occasionally: ham sandwich(no mayo or anything), pringles, doritoes, jelly donuts, any kind of chocolate, hot dogs(no condiments),popcorn(unbuttered),Little Caesers pepperoni pizza, fruit snacks, yogurt.

He will drink chocolate milk,strawberry milk, and soda. He will drink juice, but too much of it gives him diarrhea.

He says he hates the smell of food, and he throws a fit if we eat near him. He doesn't want to see or smell the rest of the family's food plates.

I talked about this with his doctor once, but she acted it as if it was my fault, and didn't understand at all. She made me feel like I was abusing him. My son is average weight.

I don't know if he will ever grow out of this. He doesn't want to do the reward system, even when I mentioned he could earn points for toys.

Apr 08, 2013
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Fussy
by: Anonymous

my son who is 6 suffers from SPD and has a four night food rotation roster he will not try any new foods including icecreams or fast foods. Everywhere we go he has his packed food for when he is hungry, he believes trying anything new will make him vomit. Tom will now sit with us for dinner although sometimes he sits at the end of the table cause he doesnt like the smell or look of our very normal looking dinner. He has a pretty balanced diet but lacks salt and fat!! I have stopped putting pressure on myself and make it like he has a food allergy, I believe in time he will have to give in eventually but no pressure...

Apr 06, 2013
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Selective Eating Disorder is a real problem
by: Anonymous

Frankie, that is an incredibly misinformed statement. Not all kids will just eat the food because they're hungry. Obviously, several people have posted that their kids are losing weight because they've flat out refused to eat food. Kids with SED do not just start eating food if they don't like the textures. The textures to them are repulsive and they will flat out refuse it even if it means they go hungry. If you don't know what you're talking about then don't talk.

Feb 17, 2013
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relax
by: Frankie

Evryone, please relax... they will survive, they will eat when hungry, they will eventually begin to appreciate the flavor of really good and healthy fresh food! It may take twenty -thirty years? How long did it take you to come around??? It will all be fine.
PEACE

Feb 08, 2013
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I feel so relieved -
by: Loulou

My son is almost 10. He certainly judges food by the colour and texture. Always been a fussy eater. His choices are becoming more limited, despite me being told by the dietician he will probably grow out of it, she says he is fit and healthy and getting most of his nutritional needs plus a vitamin tablet daily etc... He is seldom ill and slim though not underweight, so i needs not worry.

But I do worry! Though keep this to myself as making an issue about his eating makes him anxious and i do not want to make things worse - though doing nothing seems wrong too.

I dont pressure him to eat, only encourage now and again - I will ask him if he wants to try something knew occasionally, but trying new foods seems abhorent to him - almost a fear.

He will feel food to see if it is crispy enough,such as nuggets (only a certain type), fries, toast. He drinks gallons of semi-skimmed milk, loves cheese and sometimes yoghurt. He likes slices of salami and sometimes shredded chicken breast, white rice, mash potato. Food is mainly dry or white. Nothing sloppy.

No fruit or veg - just ketchup. Any chocolate, kitkats, sweets etc...

For me its the social factor, taking him out for a family meal or going on holiday can be so difficult. Though we do get around this. I dont want him to feel socially awkward around food which he is older and going out/staying with his friends. I just want to help him try a wider range of food, genuinely to make his life easier in future!! I have an appointment with his dietician in a couple of weeks - she says she can refer him to a specialist this time i we wish... I will keep you posted!

Louise

Jan 03, 2013
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a little relieved
by: Anonymous

I am so happy to have found this site, My daughter is six and has had eating issues since she was beginning solids as a baby no meat nothing with much texture she would gag and throw it up and of course the docs always said she will grow out of it bla bla bla, well she hasn't I took her to her 5 year check up doc says of if it's still a problem when she's six we will seek some additional help. She drink fortified protein shakes drinks yoo-hoo and chocolate milk and right now will only eat McDonalds french fries she used to eat more variety of only carbs some crackers, plain chips, cheese puffs, and at one point a little cheese pizza but it has gone to only fries now. She has always been healthy not sickly has never needed antibiotics she's tall and a little on the thin side, otherwise normal in development but I am very fearful that it will worsen and she will get sick I'm going to try the doc again and see if maybe therapy would help. Any advice please help a worried Mom.

Dec 02, 2012
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reply to ginger
by: Anonymous

He maybe gaining weight due to the formula. Ask your doctor if you can put him on reg milk. I worked in a daycare when the baby got off the formula and started eating real food and drinking milk they thinned out as they grew. I hope this helps alittle.

Nov 23, 2012
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10 yrs old son with food issues.
by: Anonymous

My son will be 10 years soon. He has been a picky eater all his life. He has problems eating certain fruits and vegetables.he hasn't been getting enough nutrition at all.meal times seems to be a battle for him.he takes a minimum of 30-40 minutes to eat a simple meal. I have been running around to many doctors and every doctor says everything's fine and he is just lazy to eat.I'm relieved to know that my son is not alone with this problem.just want to see my son eat normally like other kids. Please help!!

Sep 11, 2012
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Nice to know there are others
by: Anonymous

Since I had fluid in my ear at the age of 2 and wasn't diagnosed until 6, I stopped eating at 2 just about everything. For years my parents tried to get me to eat other foods, but I would just swallow them whole followed by milk.

Now, I'm 46 and since 2 years old my diet consists of:
Cereal, Pnut butter and honey on toasted bread, Pnuts, pancakes, potato chips (only plain). Skinny french fries (McDonald's only or home made skinny). No meat or Vegetables (except fries). It's been difficult growing up with this type of disorder but what do you do? I take vitamins and drink protein shakes. I consider myself in good health and always get good results from regular physical checkups.

As the title says, It's nice to know there are others!

Aug 08, 2012
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worried about nutrition
by: ginger

My son is 3 1/2 years old. He had several issues at birth including colitis, milk protein allergy, and severs chronic ear infections. He ate very healthy while on baby foods and within a week, he wouldn't touch them. Now he eats dry cereal, pancakes or waffles only w chocolate chips, drinks formula only from bottle ( refuses any type of cup), chicken fixed about any way, bread products, and the only fruits are apples and occasionally a banana. He drinks lightly sweet tea, water, and of course his formula. He refuses veggies of any kind. I am worried about his nutrition but confused because he is 70lbs, and 3.5 feet tall. He inherited his dads build which I keep in mind but am still worried about him, nothing we have tried is helping. We are beginning OT and I hope we are fortunate to see progress. Really interested in the veggie shakes but he wouldn't try the because of their color and thickness. Lots of prayers for all the parents and adults that deal with this. His Dr is also running test for autoimmune disorders. Just really want some answers or help in the right direction?

Jun 10, 2012
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27 and Fighting
by: Anonymous

I just wanted to comment as a 27 year old I have suffered with food issues all my life. I have issues with the textures of food. I can not stand anything with the soft mushy texture. There are so many foods I do love but they have to be cooked properly. Chicken nuggets are good but have to be almost burnt to get the firmness of it vs the soft texture. French fries have to be crisp. French toast has to be about burnt so it's not soft. Bananas have to just start to be ripe and even then cut in little pieces. I am getting better as I get older where I am forcing myself to choke down stuff which is making some foods better. Although it is an every day struggle and items that aren't cooked to my liking I choke and gag and if I don't spit it out I will get sick. Hang in there and keep trying. It's why I had to deep fat fry a lot of items for awhile (as I know that's not healthy either) I have opted for the V8 fruit drinks while I was pregnant to get a lot of the nutrients I needed that i wasn't getting from my food. I always thought I was the only one with these issues but have learned there are more and more people with this disorder, just wish we new more as a society about it and something could be done. Let me know if I can help in anyway.

Jul 07, 2011
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7 year old texture issues
by: Anonymous

Just went to see the Dr yesterday because my son has fallen off the chart for growth and height. He is down to about 6 foods total that he will eat and they do not include fruits, veggies or dairy. My Dr is going to run several blood test to check for autoimmune disorders. He thinks however that he might be suffering from acid reflux and/or texture issues. He gave me several numbers for OT's who specialize in food texture issues to see if that is the issue. I finally got tired of making him miserable every time we had to try something and he started having health issues. We did find out last fall that he was very allergic to his environment and now we are on allergy shots once a week. Not too long after we started allergy shots he gained at least 5 pounds but now has gone back to the way he was before. Glad to know there are others with the same problem. I was beginning to blame myself.

Jun 21, 2011
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try Juice Plus
by: Sandi

I just want to let moms (& dads) with kids who won't eat fruits and veggies that there is a way to give the F&V to them without the hassle.

Juice Plus is 15 fresh, raw fruits and veggies juiced, dehydrated (at a low temperature so that all the nutrients are preserved and all the enzymes stay live), sugars and sodium removed, and the concentrated fruit and vegetable powders put into capsules or soft chewables (for those who can't swallow capsules - they're delicious - like fruit snacks).

This has been absolutely fantastic for our family, and as I was reading this page (trying to find information that would fit my daughter's texture issues), I realized that most parents probably don't know about Juice Plus. It's totally awesome! If you want to know more, please contact me at crazy4juiceplus@embarqmail.com. There's lots of information at my website:
www.sandicrazy4juiceplus.com

Blessings to all of you,
Sandi Trisler

May 21, 2011
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SPD
by: Lwhitcmb26

I have a 12 year old daughter who definitely has SPD. She only eats pizza, chicken, cheese sticks and few other items. Trying anything new causes gagging and vomiting. Unless you have a child with this issue, you can not understand. Letting them go hungry would never work. Fortunately for me, she has grown as she should have and seems to have a great immune system. She has been like this since infancy. I thought she might grow out of it, but it does not seem likely. I'm sorry I did not do more when she was younger. Her pediatrician always knew I worked hard at shakes, drinks that contained the veggies, so she figured all would work out. She has always been tall for her age and her weight is perfect, so again, nobody focused on her problem. She takes vitamins, but it has to be the chewable. She can not swallow anything. On the plus side, she hates candy. No gum or anything chewy. Maybe that is how she has stayed healthy. She is only 12 and 5'6" and still growing. Seriously we are lucky she is as healthy as she is. She also has issues with drinks that contain dye. Was great to read that I am not the only Mom still dealing with this with a kid who is age 12.

May 20, 2011
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Very Fussy Eater
by: Anonymous

My five year old eats very little and has since infancy. Will not eat any veggies or fruits. Eats only grilled cheese, pizza, pbj's, cereals and junk foods. After much research I am convinced that my son has an eating disorder called dysphagia. A chewing and swallowing disorder. Yes, it is a texture issue. I am speaking with a speech therapist about therapy. My son is sick constantly and missed a lot of school. I have to puree all his veggies and mix them into foods he will eat. He is always sick like he has no immune system. Because of the chewing, texture and swallowing disorder the food he eats, nutritious whatever does not always stay in his system because of frequent vomiting. I hope we all find a way to take care of these issues.

May 12, 2011
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fussy eater
by: Anonymous

I have the same problem with my 10yr old son. Apples is the only fruit he will eat. He will try things then spit it out because of the texture. So I blend food & not tell him and will have most things that way. He often does ask when I tell him now he accepts it.he won't eat pineapple or mango but will happily have it as a juice. Lumpy pasta sauce with bits like onions etc will be eaten when blended. So that works & he gets his nutrition. So I think that is the best way round it. Hopefully he will grow out of it!!

Feb 26, 2011
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Selective Eater
by: Jana

Almost 14 year old son. I've been dealing with this since infancy. I wish I had done a lot more research on SPD when my son was younger. What little I did do, seemed to point in another direction. He has always shown "mild" signs of SPD, but not enough for a diagnosis... at least I didn't think. Now that he's older and I've done more research, I realize I was wrong. The food issue was always a major problem. I have done a lot more research on eating disorders and discovered a disorder called Selective Eating, which fits him perfectly. Through that research, I began to look more at SPD, and realize how many of his symptoms fit and how much more relative they are. We have been seeing a therapist for a few months, although she isn't experienced with eating disorders. She seems to be on the right track in many areas, but this article has convinced me that adding an OT to our treatment is necessary. This website is full of great information. Thanks!

Aug 24, 2010
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10yr old eats no veggies/fruits nor red meat. Just junk food.
by: Anonymous

I cant believe how many kids are out there similar to my own child. My son is almost 11yrs old and it's a battle when it comes to homemade food,fruits,veggies and lean red meat is an offense to him. I'm just sick of it this been going on for yrs. His father tells me to let him go hungry this will change him. I've tried many avenues to get him to eat meat i prepare croquetts, he eats 1 or 2 the next day he wants nothing to do with it. He is overweight. If it was up to him when it comes to food is pizza,fillet o fish,yogurts and milk w/syrups. Please help parents as myself going through this child's unhealthy menu an answer.

Jul 23, 2010
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Texture issues. Son age 13.
by: Anonymous

I have a son with pretty much all the same issues with textures. He is 13 now and weighs 90 pounds. He is a BMI of 16% (18% is underweight). He does not have enough fat to "kick in" puberty. He is now having medical problems from not eating healthy foods. Foods do not taste the same to him as other people. When you ask him what does it taste like to you...his words to describe the taste are "texture" words not "taste" words. example: vegetables taste "slimy", hamburger taste "like cardboard", sauces are "acid like". He eat mac & cheese, hot dogs, corn dogs (but can not be mushy), cheese pizza light on the sauce, sometimes peanut butter but spread light and absolutely no jelly. The heath problems started when he hit Jr. High because they did not have a microwave for him to take and heat his lunch at school. Did not like the choices at school and did not want to "be a nerd" and take his lunch (his words)....so he would not eat. Now he is so underweight he is wasting away and having thyroid problems, gut problems, not enough body fat for puberty to kick in. And now the foods he does eat, the nutrients are not being absorbed. So, basically , he is starving. No clue what to do. He says he wants to eat different foods...they even smell good to him...but the textures of the foods repulse him. This has been going on since he was 5.

Apr 03, 2010
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My daughter has the same food issues!
by: Casey

My 9 year old daughter has the same issues! She use to since she was a baby to eat fruits, veggies, and meats, then one day as a toddler stopped. Now all she will eat is spaghetti, pizza (now minus the cheese), cheese tortillas or cheese crisps as we call them, grilled cheese, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Oh yeah anything that contains LOTS of sugar and in fact she binges on any sweets we might have in the house. She use to eat chicken but now all of a sudden won't eat it. I don't know what to do, I am at my wits end of her wasting food, not eating things she use to, and also binging on junk food. It is putting a rift in our relationship and I don't know where to get help or what to do. I live in AZ and am desperate to get her healthy again!!! She will play sports and stuff, not sure if she has a fear of getting hurt, but she ALWAYS somehow does.

Oct 28, 2009
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my son is 18, just heard of SPD
by: Anonymous

For fear of embarrassing my son who is a great person, intelligent, funny...I will keep this simple. PBJ sandwiches, chicken/fries, pizza, bread/butter, sweets is all he'll eat.

Never fruits/veg's and have been told forever he'll grow out of this! I am just beginning to learn about this disorder. This is incredible news to me as I try to let my son find his own way as an adult. Just hope he will accept this information and want help.

I think the earlier you get help for this the better. Good health to us all....

Oct 05, 2009
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15 month old will only eat fruit
by: Beth

Can anybody relate? My 15 month old son is the pickiest eater! My other two children are great eaters so I'm new to all this. All he eats is fruit, yogurt, and sweet baby foods (sweet potatoes, carrots, fruits, etc.) Should I be worried? Is this normal?

Aug 16, 2009
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I too have an 11 year old who does not eat
by: Vikki

It is so nice to know that i am not alone. My 11year old son has about three mouthfuls of food and refuses to eat the rest.Just pushes it around his plate. He is the oldest in the class and the smallest and skinniest and often gets teased about it. I just keep hoping and praying that one day he will eat a plateful. I like him am sensory defensive, only found that out with his problems, and i have come out just fine, always slim and don't have to worry about diet or what i eat. I still am a fussy eater but started eating better as a teenager.So there is hope for our children. All I can do is provide a healthy meal and hope some of it gets in. Lucky for me he loves fruit.He too doesn't like sport in case he gets hurt.

Apr 30, 2009
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It's okay
by: Deb

Aren't shakes wonderful? Keep up the shakes - my experience has been that as my son got older he introduced some foods as he was comfortable and interested. We learned what he might and might not like and were really careful to not trick him - he eventually began to trust us and would try some things. We always tell him just because you didn't like it at this place or this brand doesn't mean you might not like another.

Dec 27, 2008
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I, too, understand.
by: pookie

My son is 10 years old. He has been a picky eater for literally all his life. All I can get this kid to eat (with a rare exception) is peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. We have tried everything, from making him sit until he ate what we put in front him...disaster!!, On top of that, he rarely eats when we do, especially lunch and dinner. Occasionally he will as me for spaghetti or hot dogs, then when I make it he screams at me and says he hates it and wants a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. What is a harried mother to do?!!!!

Oct 18, 2008
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I understand
by: Ellen

My son is almost eight and has been eating the same repertoire of food since he was two which has to be prepared by his parents or caregivers. I do feel fortunate because he gets his nutrients. But, other times, I get so discouraged because we cannot go traveling without it being a serious problem, family events, birthday parties,restaurants, etc.

I am so tired of hearing everyone's ideas for how to get him to eat other foods, and that subtle look of judgment. This website is making me feel understood and I do feel when the time comes, I can educate my son and hopefully we can make changes together.

Sep 23, 2008
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MOMS KNOW BEST
by: Stephanie

Hi, in the past, for almost 4 years, all Noah would eat is a bit of green bean and spaghetti and meatballs. No I do not think it is a phase, as people have told me that for years. My son is 6 years old. You can try food therapy... we did and got no where. I say if it is been 3 hours, an he has not eaten what you put before him then I would feed him what he will eat. This is a hard one, as I deal with it every day too. You can not make a child eat. I have talked with so many DR.s and have yet to find an answer. I know in my heart sometimes that all of these diagnoses does not make my child eat. In some cases they don't how is my answer.

PRAYER WILL HELP! Stephanie W

May 25, 2013
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4 year old notchewing wth texture problems
by: Viktoria

Hi again i posted here before abt 2yrsago. Wouldnt think my son who will be 4 in June 2013 will still have eating/chewing problems. We started OT when he was 1 1/2. About 8month ago we started w/ a Speech Pathologist 4times a week 30min. sessions but had to swith to another Sp.Path. From my 2 1/2 yrs of experience w/ therapy i can say: It only works if you have therapy at least 4times a week. ! and you have to practice as well at home w/ your child. I have a facebook page w / title :Toddler Not Chewing . it helps to know that there are others w/ the same or similar problems. Growing up as a child i remember having lots of hate towardsfood especially mushy / . I only liked fried (almost burned chkn) and the bread had to be toasted or hard aswell. I had very limited favorite food and would just go without eating if didnt like something. I think kids have different feelings about hunger - i remember itdidnt concern me or bother me whn i was a kid. Basically just hitting me that .how our son become like this :both his parents had issues with food when growing up. BUT only our SON has issues to the extreme: not putting food in his mouth , not being able to chew food. The only food he will self feed is apple sauce , gerber baby jogurt . At this point trying to find therapy for4-5 times a week. Feel free to post on our facebook page. Toddler Not Chewing, would love to hear from others w/ similar problems. Thanks and Dont Give Up!

Aug 21, 2011
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5 year old boy with eating disorder
by: Desperate Dad

I have a 5 year old son who ate whatever i put in front of him till about 1 year old. He now will eat only Crackers, Apples, Bananas,Pizza (crust only although he used to eat pizza) and chips etc...

We have tried OT and meet with no results what-so-ever. My son also has some attention issues. A lot of his symptoms mirror adhd and similar conditions. As luck would have it, we stumbled on to a program call "Brain Balance" We are only a few weeks in...the food hasn't progressed yet, but our son has shown a big change in behaviors. We are hoping for the best and will keep you posted.

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10 year old male with texture issues with food

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