FAILURE TO THRIVE Failure to thrive (FTT) is a descriptive term given to infants and young children with malnourishment resulting in inadequate growth. FTT that is symmetric (proportional weight, height/length, and head circumference) suggests long-standing malnutrition, chromosomal abnormalities, congenital infection, or teratogenic exposures. CAUSES Inadequate nutritional intake Poverty Emotional deprivation Rumination Child maltreatment Maternal depression