This is the seventh installment in our Sensory Spotlight series.
The gustatory system is responsible for the body’s ability to detect the chemicals in food that allow us to differentiate between sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami (savory) sensations. While the act of tasting is technically limited to this chemical process, the gustatory and olfactory senses are closely linked and combine to create what we perceive as flavor. Children with gustatory processing issues may have an unusually high or low appetite or very particular food preparation requirements (served at room temperature, chopped into small pieces, etc.). You can read more about how the gustatory system works on the STAR Institute’s website.
See below for a quick guide on identifying gustatory seeking, avoiding, and discrimination issues in children.
Gustatory Seekers May:
- Seem to have an unusually large appetite.
- Chew or suck on inedible objects, such as clothing or toys.
- Prefer foods with specific flavors, such as sweet, bitter, or spicy.
- Prefer foods with specific textures, such as crunchy, chewy, or mushy.
- Enjoy the taste or texture of non-food items, such as Play-Doh, glue, or paint.
Gustatory Avoiders May:
- Seem to have an unusually low appetite and/or be underweight.
- Be “picky eaters” and have very specific food preparation requirements.
- Avoid foods with specific flavors, such as sweet, bitter, or spicy.
- Avoid foods with specific textures, such as crunchy, chewy, or mushy.
Those with Gustatory Discrimination Disorder May:
- Be unable to detect flavor or distinguish between flavors.
- Seem to have an unusually low appetite and/or be underweight.
Note: Contact your pediatrician immediately if you think your child is either eating non-food items or refusing food for any reason other than sensory issues.