# DLD vs Sensory-Based Feeding Selectivity Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-developmental-language-disorder-and-sensory-based-feeding-selectivity-in-young-children Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a persistent difficulty understanding and using spoken language — words, sentences, following instructions — not explained by another condition. Sensory-Based Feeding Selectivity is a very narrow diet driven by how foods feel, smell, look or taste. DLD is about communicating; feeding selectivity is about eating and the senses. They are separate challenges, supported differently — speech therapy for language, feeding and occupational therapy for sensory eating — though some children have both. *Two very different challenges that can look alike at the dinner table — one is about words, the other about textures.* ## In short **Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)** is a difficulty with understanding and using spoken language — learning words, putting sentences together, following what others say — that isn't explained by another condition. **Sensory-Based Feeding Selectivity** is when a child eats a very narrow range of foods because of how foods *feel, smell, look or taste* — the sensory experience, not the language. In short: DLD is about *communicating*; sensory feeding selectivity is about *eating and the senses*. They are separate, though some children experience both. ## How they differ in everyday life **Developmental Language Disorder** shows up in talking and listening. A young child with DLD may have fewer words than expected for their age, struggle to combine words into sentences, mix up word order, find it hard to follow instructions, or seem to 'lose the thread' in conversation. Their thinking and play can be perfectly age-appropriate — it is specifically language that lags. This is supported by speech and language therapy. **Sensory-Based Feeding Selectivity** shows up at meals. A child may accept only crunchy foods and refuse anything wet or mushy, gag at certain smells, eat only beige or single-colour foods, or melt down when textures touch on the plate. The child often *wants* to eat but their senses make many foods feel genuinely unpleasant. This is supported by feeding therapy and occupational therapy, often gentle, gradual exposure to new textures. The overlap can confuse parents: a child who eats very little *and* talks very little might seem to have one big problem. But mealtime fussiness and slow talking come from different roots, and each needs its own kind of support. A careful observation tells them apart. ## When to seek a look If by around two years your child has very few words or rarely combines them, or seems not to understand simple instructions, a language check is wise. If your child gags, refuses whole food groups by texture, or mealtimes are distressing battles, a feeding-focused look helps. There is no harm in checking early — and often great reassurance. ## The Pinnacle way This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical [AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care, never from an app or form. Our clinicians observe how your child communicates *and* how they eat, then recommend the right path — [speech therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) where language is the picture, and [occupational therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/best-occupational-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) with feeding support where the senses are. Learn more about [Developmental Language Disorder](/developmental-language-disorder). ## Trusted sources The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association on developmental language disorder and on paediatric feeding and swallowing; the American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren on speech, language and feeding milestones in young children. **Next step —** Unsure whether it's words, food, or both? Book a developmental screening and let a clinician gently observe your child and guide you. ## Sources - ASHA — Developmental Language Disorder: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/developmental-language-disorder/ - ASHA — Paediatric feeding and swallowing: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/swallowing/feeding-and-swallowing-disorders-in-children/ - HealthyChildren (AAP) — Toddler milestones: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/default.aspx ## Connected topics and perspectives - Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent - Communication: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/communication - Definition: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/definition - Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/screen - Book Assessment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/book-assessment - Early Clarity: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/early_clarity ## Related question paths ### Understand the subject - DLD vs Feeding & Eating Difficulties in Young Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-developmental-language-disorder-and-feeding-and-eating-difficulties-in-young-children - Sensory-Based Feeding Selectivity vs Speech and Language Delay: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-sensory-based-feeding-selectivity-and-speech-and-language-delay-in-young-children - Sensory-Based Feeding Selectivity vs Specific Learning Disability: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-sensory-based-feeding-selectivity-and-specific-learning-disability-in-young-children - Sensory Feeding Selectivity vs Social Communication Difficulties: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-sensory-based-feeding-selectivity-and-social-communication-difficulties-in-young-children - Dyslexia vs Sensory-Based Feeding Selectivity: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-dyslexia-reading-impairment-and-sensory-based-feeding-selectivity-in-young-children - Developmental Language Disorder vs Sensory Processing Differences: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-developmental-language-disorder-and-sensory-processing-differences-in-young-children - DLD vs Childhood Apraxia of Speech in Young Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-developmental-language-disorder-and-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-young-children - DLD vs Childhood Epilepsy in Young Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-developmental-language-disorder-and-childhood-epilepsy-in-young-children - Developmental Language Disorder vs Childhood Sleep Difficulties: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-developmental-language-disorder-and-childhood-sleep-difficulties-in-young-children - Developmental Language Disorder vs Down Syndrome in young children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-developmental-language-disorder-and-down-syndrome-in-young-children - DLD vs Dyscalculia in Young Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-developmental-language-disorder-and-dyscalculia-mathematics-impairment-in-young-children - DLD vs Dysgraphia in Young Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-developmental-language-disorder-and-dysgraphia-written-expression-impairment-in-young-children