There are no official guidelines to assist in answering this question. I will search for relevant research papers instead.
From the Research
Management of Pediatric Food Aversion
The management of pediatric food aversion involves a multidimensional approach, incorporating various techniques and therapies. Some of the key aspects of management include:
- Assessment and treatment of underlying conditions, such as sensory processing disorder or anxiety disorder 1
- Parent education and support to minimize mealtime battles and anxiety 1
- Interdisciplinary team approach, including pediatricians, nutritionists, psychologists, and occupational therapists 1
- Behavioral intervention, such as extinction therapies, to extinguish feeding aversions 2
- Pharmacotherapy, such as d-cycloserine, to augment extinction therapies 2
- Sensory-based therapies, such as messy play therapy, to help children overcome food aversion 3
- Hypnobehavioral approaches, including self-management techniques and hypnosis, to address maladaptive eating behaviors 4
Treatment Strategies
Treatment strategies for pediatric food aversion may vary depending on the individual child's needs and circumstances. Some common strategies include:
- Gradual exposure to new foods and textures 1, 2
- Desensitization to feared or avoided foods 2
- Positive reinforcement for eating and trying new foods 1, 3
- Addressing underlying emotional or psychological issues contributing to food aversion 4
- Providing a supportive and non-confrontational mealtime environment 1, 3
Role of Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, play a crucial role in the management of pediatric food aversion. Their responsibilities may include: