Traits Associated with Failure to Thrive

Vol. 2, No. 2
April 1997

Traits Associated with Failure to Thrive

Growth Retardation

Child falls below the 3rd percentile in weight and height

Physical Description

Wasted body, thin arms and legs
Large stomach
Red, cold and wet hands and feet
Thin, wispy, dull, and sometimes falling hair
Dark circles around the eyes

Physical Symptoms

Refusal to take food
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Psychological Description

Sadness
Expressionless face
General lethargy
Withdrawal, detachment
Unresponsiveness
Depression
Bursting into tears, frequent whining
Little or no smiling
Diminished vocalization
Staring blankly at people or objects
Lack of cuddliness
Lack of proper stranger anxiety

Developmental Retardation

Motor
Language
Social
Intellectual
Elimination

Source

Iwaniec, D., Herbert, M., & McNeish, A. (1985). Social work and failure-to-thrive children and their families. Part I: Psychosocial factors. British Journal of Social Work, 15, 243-259.