Feeding difficulties are common
Feeding difficulties affect approximately 25% of typically developing children and up to 80% of those with SEND and neurodevelopmental differences.
Further reading
- Pediatric Feeding Disorder: A Nationwide Prevalence Study reported prevalence rates comparable to some widely recognised childhood conditions. Read the publication
Feeding difficulties can affect health and nutrition
Children with feeding difficulties may experience nutritional inadequacies, restricted food variety, growth concerns and difficulties meeting their nutritional needs. The internationally recognised Paediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) Consensus Definition describes feeding difficulties as involving interactions between medical, nutritional, feeding skill and psychosocial factors, highlighting that nutrition is only one part of a broader picture.
Further reading
- Paediatric Feeding Disorder: Consensus Definition and Conceptual Framework (Goday et al., 2019)
Read the publication Discusses PFD as a multidimensional condition involving medical, nutritional, feeding skill and psychosocial factors. - Utilising the Diagnostic Criteria of Paediatric Feeding Disorder: Updated Findings from a Population-Based Cohort Study (Morris, Daw, Bates & Horniblow, 2025)
Read the publication Demonstrates the high prevalence of co-occurring medical, feeding skill and psychosocial difficulties in children meeting PFD criteria in UK practice. - Nutritional Care for Children with Feeding Difficulties and Disabilities: A Scoping Review (Klein et al., 2023)
Read the publication Reviews system-wide challenges affecting nutrition and health outcomes for children with feeding difficulties and disabilities.
Feeding difficulties can impact participation in everyday life
Eating is a social, educational and developmental activity. Children participate in food-related experiences every day through school life, celebrations, community events, friendships and families. Research increasingly recognises feeding difficulties as affecting participation, inclusion and quality of life, not simply food intake. This is particularly relevant for children with SEND, who may face additional barriers to participating in shared eating experiences.
Further reading
- Exploration of Key Stakeholder Views and Experience of Specialist Schools’ Food: A Qualitative Study (McSweeney et al., 2026)
Read the publication Explores how modified diets, sensory needs, food accessibility and school food systems influence participation for children with SEND. - Adapt-Ed: Co-designing Adaptations to a Whole School Intervention to Improve the Uptake and Impact of Food Provision in Special Schools (O’Connell et al., 2025)
Read the publication Highlights barriers preventing some children with SEND from fully accessing school food and mealtime experiences. - Improving School Food for Children with SEND (Adapt-Ed Policy Brief, 2025)
Read the policy brief Demonstrates inequalities in school meal uptake and access for children with SEND.
Feeding difficulties can affect emotional wellbeing and confidence
Difficulties eating can influence how children feel about themselves, their relationships and their ability to participate in everyday activities. Research highlights links between feeding difficulties, social-emotional wellbeing and family quality of life, particularly when difficulties persist over time. Children may avoid situations involving food, experience anxiety around eating, or feel excluded from experiences routinely enjoyed by their peers.
Further reading
- Examining Health Conditions, Impairments and Quality of Life for Paediatric Feeding Disorders (Simione et al., 2023)
Read the publication Reports reduced quality of life for children with feeding disorders and significant impact on caregivers. - Neurodevelopmental Profile, Growth and Psychosocial Environment of Preterm Infants with Difficult Feeding Behaviour at Two Years of Age (Crapnell et al., 2015)
Read the publication Identifies relationships between feeding difficulties, developmental outcomes, parent-child interaction and parental stress.
Feeding difficulties affect families and systems
Families frequently report increased stress, challenges navigating services and difficulties accessing appropriate support. When concerns are not identified early, children and families can experience fragmented pathways between healthcare, education and community services. Research and policy reports increasingly highlight the importance of earlier identification, coordinated support and family-centred approaches.
Further reading
- The Relationship Between Chronic Paediatric Feeding Disorders and Caregiver Stress (Silverman, Erato & Goday, 2020)
Read the publication Reports significantly elevated levels of caregiver stress associated with chronic feeding disorders. - The Influence of Family in Children’s Feeding Difficulties: An Integrative Review (Fonseca et al., 2025)
Read the publication Reviews evidence suggesting family involvement can improve outcomes for children experiencing feeding difficulties.