Daniel Harrison
[Image from dailymail.co.uk]
As an infant, Daniel, was traumatized from painful acid reflux he experienced because of his mothers breast milk. Because of that, he was fed through a feeding tube for four years because he wouldn’t eat food.
Harrison’s father, Kevin, 43, told reporters, “Because of Daniel’s autism it make him worse, it makes him think something is trying to hurt him, so his instinct said ‘no’.”
Acid reflux is a condition that occurs when stomach acid comes up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and a sour food taste in the mouth. The more serious form of acid reflux is known as gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Infant acid reflux is very common and is usually resolved by different feeding methods. However, infant acid reflux, often leads to the infant coughing, spitting up, crying after feedings, and can even make the child stop eating.
In order to resolve his fear eating, his parents took him to Austria’s University Hospital. The hospital reported to having treated 12 other children with the same fear in the last 22 years.
The type of treatment involves feeding the child less food and drink in order for them to feel hunger and want the food. Through this type of treatment, it makes the kids recognize food is a want and a necessity.
Father, Kevin Harrison, said, “Eating has changed him as a child – his behavior has changed and he’s so much happier. He’s a different boy.”
The treatment was mostly paid for through donations raised by the family, as well as financial support from the UK’s National Health Service.
