Question about special needs children?

Question

My son has Global development disorder, Sensory processing disorder, excessive and receptive language disorder, and his fine motor skills are behind as well. I was wondering because I have noticed my son always seems to be hungry barely taking a break if I don't feed him he finds a way to get him what he wants even if that means taking everything out the fridge and making a mess and I feed him good too like when he wakes up he has breakfast and everything I also have an autistic cousin who does the exact same thing is this normal for them should I address this at his next appointment has anyone ever noticed this about children/individuals with special needs I just don't want him to be obese on top of the other things he has to deal with any input would be appreciated in case you are wondering I do give him fruits and veggies I would not let him eat junk food all day long even though sometimes he is sneaky and gets them anyway.Also he eats atleast 10 times per day.

Answer 1

My daughter tries...I think it's mostly because of the sensory processing issues. First of all, the act of eating is VERY sensory based, chewing food in the mouth (pressure on the gums, tongue), swallowing (which is a huge regulator, like drinking), and filling the stomach. If they are craving input, eating is  pleasant way to get it. Add in the fact that they probably don't sense the 'full' like other people do, overeating becomes easy.

You might see if you can help him address other ways of putting in sensory. Either start or change his sensory diet. Lots of chewing with tubing, heavy work, digging, jumping swinging. Those all help my daughter eat less. In fact, since the pool has opened, her eating is almost halved, and with the physical work, she's lost about ten pounds in six weeks.

Answer 2

The behavior certainly seems to be compulsive and I would certainly bring it up at the next appointment.  You are wise to have your child avoid obesity, a problem that can be prevented by proper parent oversight and medical assistance as required.  You may have to resort to having all food under lock and key, and that includes the refrigerator.  Check with your medical experts before you take any action.

Answer 3

It may definately be worth bringing up as it can cause health risks in the future...they will look into why this behaviour has started and if its medical or behavioural.

Then you and your child can be supported.

Answer 4

It may be worth checking for Prader Willi Syndrome, a disorder where the child never feels full no matter how much they eat.

Although I do have a friend with an autistic son who would do the same, the answer was to not have food (or as much food) in the house as some time they can become obsesive about it especially if they know it bothers you.