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Fussy eating or trouble with food: what to look for and where to get help

Very limited foods, gagging, or distress at mealtimes.

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Understanding feeding or eating challenges

Many parents worry when they notice their child is developing differently from other children the same age. These feelings are common, and help is available. Many allied health professionals in Australia work with children in this area.

Below are the services that most often help children with feeding or eating challenges, and what each one does.

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Providers who can help with feeding or eating challenges

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Cost & funding

Fees depend on the service, the provider and the length of the session. Ask each provider for their fees before the first visit.

Medicare pays a rebate for some speech therapy, OT and dietitian sessions when your GP writes a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and a referral first. Some private health extras policies pay part of the cost of speech therapy and OT.

If your child has an NDIS plan that includes these supports, you can use it. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can also use providers that are not NDIS registered. If the NDIA manages your plan, you must use registered providers.

  • NDIS price limit

    $193.99 an hour

    Speech pathology and OT, 2026–27. Dietetics: $178.99.

  • Medicare rebate

    $63.40 a session

    Up to 5 sessions a year in total with a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.

Note: NDIS price limits are the national maximums for NDIA-managed and plan-managed plans (NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026–27); remote areas have higher limits. Medicare rebates are from MBS Online, 1 July 2026. Providers can charge more than the rebate. Assessment fees come from provider websites in April 2026.

Work out what you might pay: cost calculatorRead our guide to NDIS early intervention funding

Frequently asked questions

Is fussy eating normal?

Fussy eating is a normal part of development, and many toddlers are picky eaters. Up to half of all toddlers refuse to eat a new food at least half of the time. Picky eating usually improves as children get older. If your child is healthy and has enough energy to play, learn and explore, they are probably eating enough.

How many times should I offer a new food?

It can take 10 to 15 tries, or even more, for a child to get used to, accept and enjoy a new food. Around half of parents give up on a food after only 2 or 3 tries. Keep offering healthy foods even if your child does not eat them, because repeated exposure helps unfamiliar foods feel normal over time.

What should I do at mealtimes?

Eat a wide variety of foods yourself and eat with your child, so you are a good role model. Try to avoid food becoming a power struggle. Being forced to try new foods can lead to unhealthy eating habits and a negative relationship with food over time. Bribing with lollies or desserts only makes children think those foods are better than the meal.

How do I know if it is more than fussy eating?

If your child eats only a very small range of foods or won't eat whole food groups, and this goes on for longer than a few weeks, see your GP, child and family health nurse or a dietitian. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne lists these as examples of feeding problems rather than typical eating: mealtimes that are consistently longer than 30 minutes even without distractions, refusing so many foods that growth is not adequate, and becoming extremely upset when new foods are offered. If you think your child has digestive problems, sensory sensitivities, food allergies or an eating disorder, talk to your doctor.

Who can help with feeding, and do I need a referral?

A dietitian can help you and your child manage fussy eating and slow or poor growth. You don't need a GP referral to see a dietitian. Speech pathologists also help people with swallowing and feeding problems. Your GP or child and family health nurse is a good place to start, and can help you find a dietitian if you need one.

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