Which of the following is associated with sensory or behavioral causes of pediatric feeding disorders?

The choice related to distraction at meal time is particularly relevant to sensory or behavioral causes of pediatric feeding disorders. Children who experience behavioral feeding issues may find it difficult to focus on the act of eating due to external stimuli or distractions in their environment. This can manifest in various ways, such as turning their attention away from food, being easily sidetracked by noises or visual stimuli, or finding it hard to remain seated during meals. This behavioral aspect is crucial, as it directly pertains to the child’s engagement with feeding and can influence their willingness to eat or try new foods.

In contrast, the other options typically relate to physical or structural issues rather than behavioral or sensory ones. For instance, coordination and timing issues may refer more to developmental or physical challenges rather than sensory distractions. Cleft lip and palate are anatomical conditions that affect feeding but are not categorized as sensory or behavioral causes. Lastly, oral motor deficits involve the physical ability to manipulate food and do not directly address sensory processing or behavioral engagement during feeding. Thus, the identification of distraction at meal time as associated with sensory or behavioral causes allows for better understanding and intervention strategies for pediatric feeding disorders.