Age-based norm-reference values for the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool

In this study of 1110 healthy, full-term children between the ages of 6 months and 7 years old, we established age-based reference values for the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (PediEAT). Reference values are provided for each of 11 age groups. With increasing age, PediEAT total scores followed a general downward trajectory. Physiologic Symptoms were relatively steady from 6 to 15 months, and then rapidly declined in 15–18 month olds and continued to decline thereafter. Problematic Mealtime Behaviors peaked in 24–30 month olds and then declined with age. Selective/Restrictive Eating increased from 6 to 9 months to a peak at 12–15 months and then decreased over time thereafter. Symptoms of difficulty with Oral Processing decreased with age. Reference values for the PediEAT can be used to guide score interpretation, clinical decision-making, and tailor interventions to the child’s needs.

Authors: Britt Pados, Suzanne Thoyre, & Jinhee Park

Publication Information: Pediatric Research. 2018; 84(2): 233-239. doi: 10.1038/s41390-018-0067-z

To view this paper on the publisher’s website, click here.