Josiah, our 4 1/2 yr old son with a infectious smile and a laugh that could never go unnoticed because it spreads through any room cheering up others. Though he is all smiles, behind his smile is a STRONG boy who has faced so much at a young age. Being diagnosed with nonverbal Autism in 2013 and now a severe eating disorder. However he is a fighter, shielded by God. 1Peter 1:5
Doctors in February
after having his tonsillectomy wanted to have a PEG tube put in, for him to receive proper nourishment consistently because he has been hospitalized several times recently because of his nourishment levels. A child with a feeding disorder does not consume enough food (or liquid or a broad enough variety of food) to gain weight and grow normally. General feeding difficulties are relatively common among most children. For example, a child may be a picky eater and consume a limited number of foods, but the foods eaten span all the food groups and provide a well-balanced diet. A child with a feeding disorder, on the other hand, may only eat a few foods, completely avoiding entire food groups, textures or liquids necessary for proper development. As a result, children diagnosed with feeding disorders are at greater risk for compromised physical and cognitive development. Children with feeding disorders may also develop slower, experience behavioral problems and even fail to thrive. Severe feeding disorders can cause children to feel socially isolated and often put financial strains on families. There are many different types of feeding disorders, and they can take on one or more of the following forms:
-Trouble accepting and swallowing different food textures.
-Throwing tantrums at mealtimes.
-Refusing to eat certain food groups.
-Refusing to eat any solids or liquids.
-Choking, gagging or vomiting when eating.
-Oral motor and sensory problems
-Gastrostomy (g-tube) or naso-gastric (ng-tube) dependence
So, through seeking a 2nd opinion from KU pediatrics and believing in the power of prayer, Josiah has been referred to a inpatient feeding clinic. There are only 3 inpatient facilities located in the US(Dallas,Milwaukee, and Baltimore). He was accepted into Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. We will go April 2.
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
We love our kids because of THEM. Because of what they’ve shown us and led us to learn about ourselves, and because they’re brilliant,curious,and hilarious. We love them so, so much, it seems silly trying to form words around this feeling. But, what motivates us more than anything is to listen to Jeriah, pray and know God will make his brother better. So, that is why we say TEAM JOSIAH! For information on the Kennedy Krieger Institute:
http://www.kennedykrieger.org/…/pediatric-feeding-disorders…
