4 year old - very fussy eater

[Moonshine160]

My 4 year old has never been a brilliant eater. Even as a baby he wasn’t fussed about milk much. His eating is getting worse and worse meal wise. For example we’ve just had a roast dinner and he wouldn’t touch any of it. He didn’t even want to look at it and at times seemed quite distressed. This time last year he would at least eat the chicken, Yorkshire pudding, carrots and broccoli. In fact he used to love chicken and broccoli but now is repulsed. I find myself making him things I know he will eat to avoid a battle I have with him. It’s little things like if I make us all pasta bake he just wants plain pasta, he can’t stand having any sauce or “bits” on it.
I was wondering if it’s a sensory issue but he goes to preschool and I am told by the staff that he seems reluctant at first but then often clears the plate. Where am I going wrong? How can I encourage him to try more foods?

I’m in a similar situation, feel like such a failure. Mine won’t even try new things at nursery. We are very limited to plain pasta some grated cheese on the side and a few spoons of baked beans for dinner. Following to see what advice you get

How is he now @Moonshine160?

I pushed for a referral to get help as mine wouldn't try anything new at home or nursery/school or friends/family/parties and getting to see someone about potential sensory issues soon.

So far advice we have had:

• try a play plate which is much more about touching and exploring than eating
• serve something you know they will eat but try to rotate so it isn't the same every day (so we cycle plain rice then plain pasta)
• try food chaining which is building on what they already eat but changing something, e.g. either the flavour so if they eat yoghurt expand to new flavours or textures so from yoghurt to mousse

Hope it gets better for you

Look up ARFID

Sounds similar signs

Lots of fb support groups