Up to 50% of typically developing children and up to 80% of those who have developmental disabilities have feeding problems. These may evolve into a feeding disorder, with potential effects on psychomotor and neurologic development. (1) (2)
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Feeding plays a central role in the parent-infant relationship. The developmental progression of food selectivity is primarily determined by a child’s ability to manipulate, chew, and swallow food (Table 1). Functional, safe feeding requires coordination of sensorimotor function, swallowing, and breathing. Children self-regulate and may vary their oral intake up to 30% per day with no ill effect on growth. Caregivers are responsible for what, when, and where their children eat; the child is responsible for how much and whether they eat. Normal feeding depends on the successful interaction of a child’s health, development, temperament, experience, and environment....
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