Psychological factors in feeding disorders occurring in mentally or multiply handicapped children.

This is a discussion of the psychological aspects of non-organic feeding problems occurring in infancy and early childhood. There are particular difficulties caused by parental responses to a handicapped child and these increase the likelihood of feeding problems. The temperament and personality of the child can pose additional problems. Early counselling for families of handicapped babies can facilitate normal mourning and the mobilization of practical help, and reduce the incidence of non-organic feeding problems.