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[quote=Anonymous]My DS was at the 1st percentile BMI pretty much his whole life.  After recently adding a medication with weight gain as a known side effect, he went up to the 5th percentile and is actually ON the lower bounds of healthy growth for the first time.

DS has feeding issues related to ASD.  He eats from all food groups but very limited variety and very limited amounts.  He may take a couple of bites and say he's full.  He is on medication for issues related to ASD, NOT because of his weight issues.  The medication requires regular blood draws to watch for metabolic side effects, so it's definitely something to be taken seriously.

Overall, his ped is not concerned because he continually tracked in the 90+ percentile for height so it's not affecting his bone growth.

However, in your situation, your DD is clearly not tracking on her growth curve.  Making food the center of your family's life is only going to increase your DD's anxiety, but the only way to address her malnutrition is by making food the center of your family's life .. or use a G tube.  I've known a family who's child needed a G tube for FTT and then eventually weaned off of it and had it removed.  It's not a life sentence but it can be what gives her body the nutrition that she needs and the space your family needs to build an ordered relationship with food.  I wouldn't jump straight into it, but seek out a second opinion and remain open that your daughter may NEED something that you would prefer to avoid.

I know it's a different situation, but I empathize with your stress.  We spent a very long time avoiding an emotional disability label for my DS.  Yet here we are, 5 years later and he's thriving in a school for kids with emotional disability.  His educational career would certainly be better if he didn't need to be where he is, but the fact is that it is what he needs and he's the better for it.  Good luck and best wishes :)

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