NATIONWIDE -- In Oklahoma, there is a 9-year-old boy dealing with an unusual eating disorder. He's afraid of most foods, so much so that he gets sick just looking at it.
In many ways, Michael is like most kids his age, but unlike other 9-year-olds, Michael has never tasted things like birthday cake, cheeseburgers or chicken nuggets.
It goes well beyond picky eating. No meat. No dairy. No fruits or vegetables.
"If I taste it, it will start to hurt my stomach. It will start to hurt," Michael comments.
"If you buy regular Cheez-Its with anything extra, like letters, he won't eat it. It has to be the plain original Cheez-Its. Smell, texture and even sight. A lot of things he won't touch even if you bribe him,” says Sandra Jackson, Michael’s concerned mother.
This 3rd grader has been diagnosed with Neophobia, which is defined as “an extreme or irrational fear or dislike of anything new, novel or unfamiliar."
"He gags and he breathes really hard. He just doesn't want to be around it. Sometimes he runs and throws up."
Michael's eating disorder has gotten so bad it even disrupts holiday dinners, family meals and outings.
"You know the movie "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs?" He can't watch it. Scared of the food. He'll tell me I'm sorry mom. I want to eat. I don't want to die. I want to live and things like that. I'm trying."
Michael has seen counselors, dietitians, psychiatrists. Nobody has been able to help.
Doctor Amy Middleman specializes in pediatric eating disorders at OU Medical Center's Children's Hospital.
Dr. Middleman explains,"It's estimated that about 20% of children have some element of picky eating to the point where it interferes with function. It is common.There is absolutely hope. We treat patients with these kinds of issues all the time. And the prognosis is terrific."
Sandra Jackson just hopes someone can help her son so Michael can finally enjoy life's bounty.