Student doesn't eat and I'm the person to fix it!

[JerseyTomatoMDCrab]

Here's some background on the student in question:

He started back here at school in December in the 2nd grade. Prior to that, he was home schooled by his mother who wanted him at home so she could get a handle on his myriad of conditions: severe anxiety, ADHD, OCD. Once she felt his issues were under control, she re-enrolled him back at school. He is a daily med taker with several allergies so I know him pretty well. Mom is a nice woman, a little overbearing but I can't say I blame her with this child who has so much going on. She's very good about keeping me informed with what's going on with the student.

So, mom comes to me last week and says she is concerned about little darling's eating habits. He is a skinny guy and the stimulant meds certainly don't help with weight gain. She informs me that he has serious "food aversions" and she has a hard time getting caloric and nutrient dense foods into him. He's allergic to peanuts and shellfish and very picky about textures, temperatures, etc. She asked me if, when Darling comes to get his medication every afternoon, I could help educate him on nutrition, the importance of adequate diet, etc. He's very honest about what he ate that day so that afternoon I started asking him about what he packed vs. what he actually ate. I started trying to educate him on the importance of good nutrition. He's got a very scientific mind so I started comparing his body to a machine, explaining that the body needs fuel to run and function, things like that. He also is OBSESSED with stickers so I told him we could keep a card in the office and for every day that he eats his entire lunch, he gets a sticker and we can display his sticker card on the wall. He was totally into the idea but... he has yet to earn a sticker! He has an excuse for not eating his lunch every day. I've sent home some suggestions to mom regarding preparing the food so it's desirable at lunchtime (how to keep bread from getting soggy, yogurts that aren't too runny, keeping cold things cold) but nothing has worked so far.

Mom tells me what this kid will eat and it's horrifying. Cinnamon buns for breakfast every day? I get they are high in calories but that's just scary.

Does anyone have any advice? I can't think of anything else to do but you know, my magic wand is supposed to repair everything.

I've never even heard of a well child having "food aversions" I just always called them picky. Any information would be great!

[SaltineQueen]

Or a kid to tuna, as the case may be.

Mom says it's a struggle at home too. I don't know what she expects me to do!

You are neither a nutritionist nor a dietitian (are you?). I would suggest mom get a referral to one of those types.

[JerseyTomatoMDCrab, BSN]

You are neither a nutritionist nor a dietitian (are you?). I would suggest mom get a referral to one of those types.

She told me she "studied nutrition" but I don't believe she is certified or anything. I told her to speak to the pediatrician and see if he can recommend anyone.

[Eleven011]

I can't handle letting my kids (or any kids for that matter) "go hungry" if they don't like a meal served. I know first hand that it is possible to dislike a great variety of food. I was severely "picky" when I was little, but I remain so to this day and after growing up, being educating, having a mind that can reason, I can tell you, there are people who just cant handle the taste of some common foods. Do I only eat white food or lose weight due to it? No, neither do my kids. But it bothers me when people think you can "fix" this by making kids go hungry. Maybe some who are playing games with you, but not all. I would have had a very unhappy and unhealthy childhood had my mother done this to me.

[JerseyTomatoMDCrab, BSN]

What is his affect like? Our pseudo foster was on ADHD meds at age 4 and mom kept him heavily medicated, he was zombie like. We didn't really know his real personality until she let us take over his meds. He also had no appetite and was loosing weight, despite unlimited portions.

He's definitely not zombie like. He's, well, squirrelly. Fidgets, interrupts people while they are talking, likes to be right. I don't think over medication is the problem although this makes me wonder about some other students.

[Farawyn]

I can see both sides. I don't know if this is anecdotal or not, but my family member truly only ate white food, and in talking to other parents of kids with Asperger's to autism, many of them have said the same thing.

I am going to read about it now and educate myself.

That being said, I'll make one dinner. I'm not running an all night diner.

If my kids don't like what I'm making, they can make their own food.

[Farawyn]

Here, from 2010, and there's a lot more on autismspeaks.org

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3601920/

[StutteringRN]

You're in a tough spot, I have a spectrum kid that won't eat much BUT when he cooks his own food, own recipes he is willing to expand on some flavors and textures. Perhaps mom and son can make the flavors he like, cinnamon rolls into a substitute food that is more nutrient dense.My son is always science minded,likes lab work which makes cooking a next step. Hope you can find a solution.

[Rubor]

I have a little kiddo, my own, who isn't the on board with certain foods and textures. I keep offering it but am not pushing the matter. I find other alternatives or just give him things he likes. I am not okay with feeding him unhealthy things for breakfast but focus on the things that are nutritionally good.

I would say to encourage those things he does like that are "good foods." Is mom in contact with his provider?

[amoLucia]

To OP - since he takes meds with you, will he drink a supplement with you and "earn" one of those stars to be posted?

[Nurse Leigh]

I can't handle letting my kids (or any kids for that matter) "go hungry" if they don't like a meal served. I know first hand that it is possible to dislike a great variety of food. I was severely "picky" when I was little, but I remain so to this day and after growing up, being educating, having a mind that can reason, I can tell you, there are people who just cant handle the taste of some common foods. Do I only eat white food or lose weight due to it? No, neither do my kids. But it bothers me when people think you can "fix" this by making kids go hungry. Maybe some who are playing games with you, but not all. I would have had a very unhappy and unhealthy childhood had my mother done this to me.

I've been a picky eater since I was a child. It's a texture thing for me - I love the flavor strawberry but can't stand eating strawberries unless they are pureed. Thank goodness for blenders.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Sounds like student needs a G-tube.

[Kitiger, RN]

Some of the meds for ADHD decrease appetite. Perhaps timing the food for BEFORE his meds would help. I know a child on Ritalin who could eat if it was timed.