AOTA Recognizes Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness Month with Feeding Matters

May is Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) Awareness Month, which is globally recognized. Because occupational therapy plays a key role in treating those with PFD, and works with families impacted by the medical, emotional, educational and social challenges of it, The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is collaborating with Feeding Matters to raise awareness of this often overlooked or misdiagnosed disorder. Incidentally, May is also Maternal Mental Health Month, which is greatly impacted when a new mother is unable to feed her child, but unable to recognize the children may have PFD. Families navigating PFD face numerous obstacles including a lack of evidence-based data, the condition's diverse and often misunderstood nature, and the intense emotional and physical demands of feeding their children.

Pediatric Feeding Disorder is a condition which affects more than one in 37 children under 5 in the US alone. PFD is defined as impaired oral intake that is not age-appropriate, associated with medical, nutritional, feeding skill, and/or psychosocial dysfunction, making it a standalone medical condition.

For kids with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD), every bite of food can be painful, scary, or simply impossible to swallow, potentially impeding nutrition, development, growth, and overall well-being. Yet, there is no functional system of care for PFD locally, nationally, or internationally.

This is where occupational therapy (OT) is essential, because occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) can play a key role in recognizing and treating this disorder. Some questions AOTA member Alyssa Francis, MS, OTR/L Assistant Clinical Director, Capable Kids PFD suggests families think about, “Is your child showing typical signs of hunger/fullness? Does your child eat at least a few foods from each food group? Does it take longer than 15 minutes for your child to eat a meal? Does your child stick to one or two textures of food? Is your child very rigid in picking foods, i.e. only eats certain brands of foods, only eats certain colors, etc.? Are you always preparing a different meal for your child than the rest of the family? If the answer to many of these questions is yes, then it is time to speak with a pediatrician and request a referral to an occupational therapist for a feeding therapy evaluation.”

Francis adds, “Feeding difficulty is a very sensitive topic for caregivers as one of their number one roles as caregivers is to keep children safe and healthy. Many caregivers feel as if they are failing if they are unable to successfully provide their children with proper nutrition. Feeding difficulties are also hard for both caregivers and children as social events are so often surrounded by food. As occupational therapists, our goal is to collaborate with pediatricians, dieticians, and speech-language pathologists to have more resources put in place for caregivers, especially new caregivers.”

Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters said, “Raising awareness about Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) goes beyond mere recognition—it is a critical step to drastically improve health outcomes for children. By designating May as Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness Month, we not only highlight this underrecognized condition but also facilitate equitable access to essential early interventions. The journey of managing PFD involves intense emotional and physical challenges for entire families, with every meal and every bite representing a significant hurdle. It's imperative that these families no longer suffer in silence. By increasing the visibility of PFD, we allow these families to be seen and supported, emphasizing the necessity of widespread awareness to foster understanding and provide much-needed relief,” concluded Pederson.

Francis says of occupational therapy practitioners and PFD, “One reason there is a lack of awareness of feeding disorders is due to physicians not recommending feeding therapy at an early age due to the common myths. I also believe parents are not provided with proper education on how to progress feeding from newborns to toddlers to set them up for success. A very high number of clients who come in with feeding disorders showed signs of feeding difficulties from infancy. I believe using social media platforms to provide education is a great way to spread awareness. I also believe the healthcare community should provide better education to caregivers during wellness checks in children's first year of life.”

AOTA Interim Executive Director Charles Jeffers, II said of the collaboration, “Feeding is a key activity of daily living. Occupational therapy practitioners excel in helping children and families address this difficult issue. We are happy to work with Feeding Matters to spread the word, that there are indeed resources to help. And, we encourage people to ask their physician to connect them with an OTP if they are experiencing any feeding challenges with their children.”

To learn more about pediatric feeding disorder and the work of Feeding Matters, visit their Resources and Support.

About Feeding Matters

Feeding Matters is dedicated to creating a world where children with pediatric feeding disorder will thrive. Established in 2006, Feeding Matters is the first organization in the world uniting the concerns of families with the field’s leading advocates, experts, and allied healthcare professionals to ignite unprecedented change to the system of care through advocacy, education, support, and research – including a stand-alone diagnosis, the International Pediatric Feeding Disorder Conference, and the Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire. In 2021, Feeding Matters reached nearly 200,000 individuals in 50 states and 143 countries through their programs and website. To learn more about pediatric feeding disorder, visit feedingmatters.org.

About AOTA

Founded in 1917, AOTA represents the professional interests and concerns of approximately 230,000 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in North Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential.

Media

To interview an occupational therapist who specializes in PFD, contact Jennifer Rignani, AOTA media relations at praota@aota.org or 412-977-5795 or to interview Jaclyn Pederson, MHI, CEO of Feeding Matters, contact Stephanie Sanstead at Communicadence at stephanie@communicadenceco.com or 602-476-9997.