What to do about a suspected texture/sensory issue?

sistrkate

DH and I are having a lot of trouble getting Tyler to eat much these days.  He's in a huge rut mainly due to his food allergies, but the kid just won't try new foods.

He will eat chicken nuggets, deli meat, hot dogs, roast beef, and roast pork.  That's about it as far as meats go.

He won't eat bread, but he does eat crackers.

The only fruits he will eat are watermelon and bananas.  He won't eat a vegetable to save his life.  He will put a baby carrot in his mouth, chew it a little, and then spits it all out.

Some things he won't even try; other things, he takes a taste but then he spits them out, almost as if the texture grosses him out.

Justin ate everything under the sun at 19 months, so this is kind of new to me.  Is it typical 19-month old behavior?  When does a supposed texture issue become a concern?  Anyone have any experience/insight?

JLPT830

I'm about to run out the door, so sorry this is brief.  DS had some silmilar issues with certain foods that he has only started to outgrow in the last 6 months or so.  Still when he tries a new food and doesn't like it, I suspect it's more of a texture thing than a taste thing.  We never had anything evaluated and I don't know when it would become a problem that needs checked out.  But I would think it would be a speech therapist that would assess him as this is an oral issue.  Maybe page or FB message Catrina and see what she has to say.

Superchicy

Do we have the same child?  DD is incredibly picky about food.  For meat it's ham, hot dogs, pulled pork, or chicken nuggets.  Veggies only peas, carrots from soup only, occassionally sweet potato fries.  She eats a little bread, crackers, pancakes, waffes, apples, pears, grapes, cherries and hummus.  That's about the extent of her diet.  She is terrible at trying new things although I keep introducing things to her. 

When I talked to the pedi he wasn't concerned at all, said it's totally normal and she may grow out of it.  DH and his nieces were all super picky eaters.  We give her poly-vi-sol at night to supplement the vitamins and she is growing, so we were told not to worry, just keep trying.

Mrs.Cooley2bee

Charlotte used to eat like a champ and now she is way more picky.  Part of me thinks it comes with the age.  BUT, I don't think she minds ceratin textures...I think she's just a stubborn little stinker.  

I agree with PP about asking Catrina at what point you should be concerned about the texture issue.  In the mean time I would continue to encourage him to try new things on a regular basis.You could also get that Jesicca Seinfeld book Deceptively Delicious so you can get some ideas on how to hide veggies in food.  While I don't think that's the greatest option for long term veggie eating, it will help get the good stuff in him until he begins to eat it on his own.  GL!

mtinsley

I would first chat with the pediatrician.  Chances are s/he will note that this is normal.  Does your child have issues with other textures/noises (i.e. over reaction to lawn mowers, lights in a room, only wants particular clothes)?   If so, I would begin to suspect that there might be some sensory integration issues going on.  I would contact your pediatrician to request information on an Occupational Therapist that they would recommend, or I would contact Children's.