Date of Award
5-2022
Document Type
Oral Presentation/Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Jessica McHugh, PHD, OTR/L, BCP, Pn1
Keywords
picky, toddler, eating, diet, picky eating, pediatric feeding disorder, SOS Approach to Feeding
Subject Categories
Occupational Therapy
Abstract
To address the contested definition of picky eating, a study was conducted to determine the typical toddler diet, therefore identifying when intervention may be warranted, and further defining picky eating. Out of the 252 responses to a cross-sectional survey, 34.9% of caregivers reported their child was a picky eater, whereas 65.1% were identified as non-picky eaters. The diets and quantity of foods consumed by these groups varied significantly. Picky eaters were less likely to eat foods of potentially polarizing sensory properties or textures that required advanced oral motor skills to consume. Children who were picky eaters consumed only 32 different foods on average, compared to 50 in the non-picky population. Additionally, clinical experience was utilized in conducting a case study on the use of the SOS Approach to Feeding with one client to address the multifaceted nature of feeding difficulties. This project provides clinicians with a gauge to identify a feeding difficulty, as well as studies the application of a popular approach to picky eating.
Recommended Citation
Adams, Carissa, "The Typical Toddler: Diet and Approaches to Picky Eating" (2022). Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations. 64.
https://red.library.usd.edu/ot-capstone/64