Feeding/Eating problems in children: Who does (not) benefit after behavior therapy? A retrospective chart review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Child Psychology

Background:

• Early intervention for feeding disorders is vital for reducing long-term risks.
• However, treatment effectiveness varies among children, necessitating identification of prognostic factors.
• Understanding predictors of poor outcomes is key to optimizing therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify predictors of a worse prognosis in children treated for feeding disorders.
• To investigate variables associated with achieving age-appropriate food intake post-treatment.
• To explore the role of sensory processing problems in feeding disorder outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 252 children with feeding disorders who underwent behavioral day treatment was studied.
• Predictor variables (sex, GI problems, refusal of first nutrition, syndrome/intellectual disability, Down's syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, medical comorbidities, restrictive/selective intake) were assessed at initial consultation (t1).
• Age-appropriate food intake at follow-up (t2) was the dependent variable, with sensory processing problems also reviewed at t2.

Main Results:

• Approximately 73% of children achieved age-appropriate food intake post-treatment.
• Predictors of a worse prognosis included being male, having a syndrome/intellectual disability, and lacking varied nutritional intake at t1.
• A significant correlation was found between current selective eating patterns and general sensory processing problems.

Conclusions:

• Male gender, intellectual disabilities, and selective eating patterns are associated with poorer outcomes in feeding-disordered children.
• These children remain at risk for inadequate food intake later in life, even after behavioral treatment.
• Targeted interventions addressing these specific risk factors are needed for improved long-term feeding success.