A.C.
hi~
Yes I have worked with kids just like your son. Please know that although it may feel like it, you are NOT alone.
Some suggestions are:
1) Make sure you do NOT force feed him
2) Try your best not to feel overwhelmed/stressed during meal time (he will feed off your stress (i know easier said than done - I'm sure this is VERY stressful for you)
3) place a food that you are eating (that is safe for him) on his tray (without ANY expectation that he will eat it).
4) let him play in food and get messy – this allows him to learn the properties of food (smell, feeling, sight)
5) offer foods he eats and try to expand within the same food area (e.g. if he eats pureed banana try banana pudding or yogurt. You can also mix banana with another smooth fruit).
6) when he is screaming and refusing – ignore his behavior (turn your head as he is yelling, count to 10, turn back and offer “first lick cereal than banana” using a matter of fact (non-emotional) voice
7) encourage him to touch new foods to cheek/lips (WITHOUT expecting him to eat it) – cheer/provide positive feedback when he does this. Then encourage him to lick it, then eventually bite it (this may take 10-20 exposures before he bites a new food)
I find that some kids (typically the ones I work with) who are severe picky eaters will not eat even if they are hungry. If you do not see an improvement (e.g. decreasing bottle and trying to increase foods using above strategies and he still is not increasing his intake) you may want to consider asking your pediatrician for an occupational therapy or speech therapy referral for feeding. It is MUCH easier to work on feeding issues when they are younger verses older.
Remember encourage him, praise him, and even though it is hard try not to show him your stress.
I hope that helps!Good luck!