Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: H009
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.H009
Published online: 22 April 2026
Pediatric feeding disorders – a case study of a 6-year-old boy
Paulina Kawecka* and Małgorzata Kostecka
Department of Chemistry, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 15 Akademicka St., 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: paulina.kawecka@up.edu.pl
Feeding is a fundamental function and a complex process essential for proper human functioning. Feeding disorders in children are defined as inappropriate, age-appropriate food intake, which is associated with nutritional, medical, and psychosocial factors. Food neophobia, food selectivity, and food aversion are mentioned in the literature, but these are not classified anywhere, with the exception of ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Disorder), which is included in the ICD-11 and DSM-V classifications. Feeding disorders and feeding difficulties affect infants and young children, but they can persist into later life. Therefore, a proper diagnosis and the implementation of individually tailored therapy are crucial. The gold standard in diagnosis is a detailed nutritional history and observation of the child during feeding. The presented case study will provide an insight into the problem of feeding disorders that can be encountered in a dietitian’s office. The aim of the study is to present a case study of a 6-year-old boy with eating difficulties in the form of food selectivity (parent-child nutritional interview, dietary therapy, teaching aids, scale, height measurement, and growth charts).
We analyzed the case of a 6-year-old boy admitted to a dietitian’s office after his parents reported eating difficulties since introducing him to a new diet. The boy is a normally developing child with no known physical illnesses or disabilities. The intervention lasted six months. Collaboration focused on eliminating the cause of the eating difficulties, as well as nutritional education, dietary modifications, and the process of familiarizing him with food. A case study of a 6-year-old boy with eating difficulties was presented. Sensory integration disorders related to hypersensitivity to odors were identified as a contributing factor, and choking in infancy was a possible cause. An individualized action plan was developed based on the process of familiarizing the child with food, expanding his eating repertoire, building a healthy relationship with food, and nutritional education. The interventions achieved positive results. Feeding disorders in children can have various causes, resulting in eating difficulties. The child’s age, family eating habits, and parental willingness to cooperate are all important factors. An individually developed action plan and good cooperation with the child’s family are essential. The actions taken allowed for effective support for the boy in improving the quality of his diet, the quantity of food consumed, the supply of essential nutrients, and his relationship with food, thus preventing negative health consequences, both now and in the future.
Keywords: dietary therapy; feeding disorders; family eating habits; getting used to food
How to cite
Kawecka P., Kostecka M., 2026. Pediatric feeding disorders – a case study of a 6-year-old boy. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.H009