Why Won’t My Child Eat? Understanding Picky Eating Beyond Behavior

This session reframes “picky eating” as a complex, multifactorial issue rather than a simple behavioral problem. It highlights how feeding challenges often stem from underlying structural, physiological, and sensory factors- not willful refusal. Through clinical insights and real-world examples, the session emphasizes identifying root causes, including oral-motor dysfunction, airway and breathing issues, gut health, sleep, and nervous system regulation. By shifting from blame to investigation, caregivers and professionals can better support safe, efficient, and positive feeding experiences.  What You’ll Learn: 

• Distinguish between “picky eating” and underlying feeding difficulties 

• Understand the three key areas: structural, physiological, and sensory/behavioral 

• Recognize early red flags that predict feeding challenges 

• Learn how airway, sleep, gut health, and regulation impact eating 

• Apply practical strategies to reduce mealtime stress and support progress 

Sponsors