Problem with Textures and Stron Gag Reflex

I myself have not dealt with this but I have a friend who has with her one son, and the biggest key is make your regular pediatrician send you to a child specialist for gag reflux problems. Better yet if you are close to a children's hospital, those doctors deal only with children, and have an enormous amount of experience and usually know exactly what you are dealing with.

L. Gratz

At her age I really wouldn't worry too much about it. Everyone has difference tolerence levels for different things. It could cause other problems if you make too much of it.
My DGD, now 5 did not like anything with lumps.Fortunately she didn't have as much problem as your DD, but she would spit out any lumps. She got over it and eats very well. Her mom, MY DD would gag at the taste of meat, so we had to wait until she could handle it.
I have read the responses which seem to indicate the possibility of this being an indication of serious problems. Both DD and DGD are extremely intelligent.DD was considered gifted and DGD seems to be following in her Mom's footsteps!
Most kids do out grow things like this, so don't stress yourself as long as she is eating a healthy diet otherwise.
A.

My niece has this same problem. It's an actual condition. I can't remember the name of it right now though. My sis had to put food through the baby food grinder for a really long time. Once the problem was diagnosed, they were able to start taking steps to remedy the problem. I'm sorry I don't have more information for you right now. I wish I could remember the name. Rest assured, it is an actual condition. Bring it up to your pediatrician. If they don't believe you, find someone that will. As I recall, it took my sis awhile to find someone to actually diagnose the disorder. Good luck!

my friends' son was like that when he was her age, he's now 3 and nothing gets in his way at supper. she just kept him on the pureed cereals and got a blender to puree fruits & veggies until he was ready (stopped puking)to eat other foods. GERD/acid reflux is spitting up and/or excessive(projectile) vomiting after EVERY feeding and continues past one year of age. if it something that really bothers you, then talk to her doc..there's no such thing as a stupid question & you'll never know unless you ask.

It sounds like she is having some swallowing issues. And she is very smart to not just go ahead and do it. I would tell the doctor you want a swallowing study done. I am a First Steps Therapist and she is not too young to have one done. Believe me, if the study shows any challenges they won't be hard to work through!
Good Luck!
S.

I know two friends that have children with texture issues and both children have autism to some degree. Both families went to several doctors and found treatment. It is very important you don't wait and find help. The earlier you can find help the better. (Lots of issues can be reversed if help is sought before two) My friend said if you can get help when you first notice the texture issue and get therapy, a lot can be done for autism. It is crucial to diagaonse before the age of two. With therapy I can not even tell her son has autism, he eats, talks and socializes very well. She was/is very proactive.

Hi T.,
My daughter had a problem with gagging when she ate or drank. They did a swallow study and found nothing wrong. When her tonsils were removed at age 2, it corrected itself!
Hopefully, your dr can arrange for a swallow study.

H.

I would consider a First Steps evaluation, or whatever it is called in your state. Here in Indiana they are the early childhood intervention program. She may need some speech therapy. Maybe she has some muscle discoordination that needs evaluated and treated. I had a friend whose child had a similar problem, only he wouldn't take anything by mouth without spitting up and gagging. He was also particular on how he was held to take a bottle. First steps worked for him. You do not need a doctors order, you can contact them yourself. Fees are based on a sliding scale. good luck.

The only thing I can offer is that my ex boyfriends son had this problem.....he is mildly autistic. His biggest problem is with food and texture. He is 7 yrs old now and still eats jar baby food. But they have been working with him for a long time and he has gotten to the point now that he will sometimes take small bites of things. So basicly it is a sensory thing. You might want to talk to your Dr at your checkup about having your DD tested.

Good Luck!

Don't panic! You are not alone! Both of my boys (who are now 3 and 6) had this issue. I had to get occupational therapy for both of them when they were about as old as your daughter. My oldest (who has other issues, too...low muscle tone, high-functioning autism, etc) took longer to get the hang of it, but he now eats like a normal 6 year old. There are foods he still gags with (bananas coming to mind), but other than that he eats very well. My youngest had the same issues and he also couldn't sip from a cup. I started occupational therapy for him when he was 12 months old and by the time he was 15 months we were done with therapy and he never had another problem! Tell your doctor about it and good luck!! It's not so bad once you know what the issue is. Your daughter probably has poor muscle control in her tongue and mouth. Don't be scared that it is autism (I know all the talk about autism in these posts may scare you). My 3 year old is a walking, talking, eating example that not all feeding issues are due to autism.