SPD with FAD

Our first born, Ashtyn, has always...ALWAYS...been what you would call a "picky eater". Even as a toddler he had quite the opinion about what he would and wouldn't eat and we've done what I think is our best to work with him and help him as much as possible. Over the years, though, his eating habits have become even more strange and extremely limited. Ash has always grown in height and weight so the doctors have never been too concerned but now Ashtyn's eating habits are beginning to effect his day to day life. Because he is not only a picky eater but also extremely picky about food textures, temperatures and brands, and has an over active gag reflex, Ash gets anxiety about eating in the school cafeteria, going over to other people's houses for meals and traveling of any kind. He always wants to be sure there will be something he will eat and unfortunately, if there is not, he will choose to go without food or not leave home at all. As his parents, we were at a loss and so decided to see if there was ANYTHING else our pediatrician could recommend.

At first, because of Ashtyn's symptoms, our pediatrician thought maybe Ash was having a difficult time swallowing. He told us that some of Ashtyn's chewing and/or swallowing muscles may be underdeveloped and so referred us to a speech therapist. Last week Ash had his first appointment. I took Ash all by myself. We were both pretty nervous. I told Brandon it wasn't fair to send the two most anxious and worry-wart-like people in our family to the doctor together! Ha! But I put on a brave face for Ash and he brought a book to read while we waited. It seemed to help!

When it was our turn to see the speech therapist we first sat down and talked about Ashtyn's eating habits for quite a long time. She wanted a thorough history. In the end, our appointment lasted over an hour and a half! After filling out a ton of forms and talking at length the therapist got to work on Ash. She did all sorts of facial muscle and mouth muscle exercises and tests on him. Thankfully he passed with flying colors. We officially ruled out any type of physical issues that might be causing Ashtyn's poor eating habits. Unfortunately, that meant we still didn't know what was going on. After much more discussion and even more forms, the speech therapist told us she thinks Ash has "Food Aversion Disorder". It is a sensory disorder that causes you to be ultra-sensitive to textures, smells, tastes, etc. She told us that what our noses determine is a sweet smell Ash might actually NOT smell it that way! Whoa! I didn't know that was even possible!

We've now gone back to the speech therapist for a second appointment and we'll see her every week, at least through November. During our second visit, the therapist started working on smells with Ash. It was very weird to see Ash unable to determine what a smell was or even categorize a variety of smells into sweet, savory, spicy, etc. His senses just aren't working like a normal person's might. In addition to seeing the speech therapist our pediatrician now wants us to see an occupational therapist as well. We go for Ashtyn's initial appointment with the occupational therapist on Monday. Because Ashtyn's eating problems are caused by a sensory disorder they want to investigate the rest of his senses as it is very likely that taste and smell aren't the only senses this diagnosis effects.

It's not easy to hear that there might be something "wrong" with your child. It's been difficult over the last couple of weeks to come to terms with the fact that Ash isn't just "quirky" but in fact has been diagnosed with something. At the same time, though, it is a relief to know that I'm not crazy! You have no idea how it felt when Ashtyn's speech therapist looked at me and said that there was a name for what was going on and that we weren't alone. We've spent 6+ years explaining away Ash's eating habits and enduring stares from people who just don't understand but now we know that this is real. The speech therapist even gave me a hug because she has a son who is the exact same way! She said they could be brothers! It was a weight off our shoulders to know that there are other kids out there who have dealt with this and other grown-ups who can sympathize with us instead of judging us.

We don't know what the coming speech therapy or occupational therapy visits will hold for Ashtyn but we are trusting the doctors and trusting the Lord. Ash might not be "normal" but my mom gave me the best advice when she told me that NOTHING is "wrong" with Ashtyn. Sure, he's quirky and sure he has a long road ahead of him to eat many normal foods but it's not "wrong". I'm excited for the future, excited to see Ash make progress on this journey and happy to know that we have a team of doctors working for us and not against us!