Support with eating and drinking

It’s normal for children, especially neurodivergent children, to have some challenges around eating. But how do you know when it’s time to ask for extra help?

Eating behaviours may need more attention if they are:

  • causing significant stress for your child or family
  • impacting your child’s physical health or development
  • becoming more extreme, rigid, or emotionally distressing
  • getting in the way of daily life (for example school, friendships, activities)

Red flags to look out for

If your child is showing any of the following signs, it’s important to seek advice.

Physical Health Concerns

  • losing weight or not growing as expected
  • complaining of dizziness, fainting, or stomach pain
  • skipping meals entirely or refusing food for extended periods
  • eating very large quantities without feeling full

Emotional and behavioural signs

  • high distress around food or mealtimes
  • preoccupation with food, calories, or body shape
  • strict rituals around food (for example weighing food, needing exact cutlery)
  • avoiding social situations that involve eating
  • hiding or hoarding food
  • mood changes linked to eating (for example guilt, shame, withdrawal)

Family impact

  • increasing arguments or stress at mealtimes
  • siblings becoming affected or anxious
  • exhaustion or burnout from managing eating issues

Who to speak to

Start by sharing your concerns with:

  • your child’s school nurse
  • Family Hub staff
  • your GP or Health Visitor (for under 5s)
  • your child’s teacher or SENCO

They can help assess the situation, offer strategies, and signpost you to more specialist support if needed, such as:

  • Paediatrics
  • Speech and Language Therapy (for oral motor or swallowing issues)
  • Dietitian (for nutritional concerns)
  • Occupational Therapy (for sensory challenges)
  • CAMHS or Emotional Wellbeing teams (if emotional health is involved)
  • Specialist Eating Disorder Team (if there are signs of an eating disorder)

You don’t need to have all the answers, if something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to ask for help.