My child is a very picky eater. Is this just being difficult?

From a sensory perspective, picky eating often stems from sensitivity to texture, smell, or appearance, and is something different from being difficult. Forcing food strengthens fear around eating. The trick is to praise and progress through the steps before "eating": (1) just placing it on the table, (2) touching it, (3) smelling it, (4) licking it. If your child isn't gaining weight or the range of foods they can eat is extremely narrow, talk with a specialist.