We have all seen children in school, at the park, or in the mall that seem to be lagging behind other kids their age. They avoid eye contact when you speak with them, do not make many vocal sounds, are excessively sleepy, easily fatigued and have delayed motor development. Children with nonorganic failure to thrive, or NOFTT, are those who have a decelerated or arrested physical growth and are developing poorly emotionally. In the case of nonorganic failure to thrive, this is not caused by a medical condition but by psychological, social, or economic problems within the family.

Infants that are born into families with social, psychological, or economic problems are at risk. Those children that are born into families with the problems listed above are at a higher risk for NOFTT, but those that are born in situations where depression, alcohol or drug abuse, or lack of affection is present have a high risk of developing poorly.

Although you may feel like you do not have the authority to intervene in a family where you believe this is taking place, there are ways to help. Communities can work together to educate and encourage people to seek help for their problems to help reduce the incidence of NOFTT. Letting new parents know about classes that are available in the community or at local schools will also help them to become more knowledgeable about the needs of their children.

By detecting NOFTT in children early and intervening as soon as possible, the chances of a more normal development process are increased greatly.