What is ARFID?
ARFID stands for “avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder” and is classified as a fairly new eating disorder in the DSM-5. When most of us think of an eating disorder, we believe it to be related to negative body image. ARFID has nothing to do with an individual’s negative self-image of their body, but rather a disinterest in food and/or the consequences of eating food. You can learn more at KidsHealth here, or through the National Eating Disorder Information Centre page on ARFID.
What do I mean? Great question!
Some individuals’ perceived consequences of eating could be undesired texture, colour, taste or smell of foods, a fear of choking, or a fear of getting food poisoning resulting in vomiting and/or diarrhea. As a result, ARFID can result in malnutrition, affecting one’s overall health and could lead to serious health complications. ARFID is not the same as being a picky eater, as children can often outgrow their pickiness, but ARFID does not go away without treatment. Understanding ARFID can help parents and caregivers better support children who struggle with eating and food-related anxieties, so they do not grow into the many adults who are currently struggling with ARFID.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of ARFID?
- Weight loss or inadequate growth for their age
- Nutritional deficiencies which can impact both physical and cognitive growth
- Dependence on supplements or tube feeding
- Psychosocial impairment, where kids might avoid social events with food such as birthday parties and family gatherings
What are Some Common ARFID Eating Patterns and Challenges?
- Strong food preferences: often limited to specific favourite foods
- Sensitivity to textures, colours and smells leading to avoidance of foods that do not meet exact sensory preferences
- Brand-specific choices where children will refuse any substitutes even if extremely similar
- Strict food preparation methods where food must be prepared by certain people in specific ways
- Difficulty eating in new settings even if prepared food is brought with them
- Struggle with transitions around mealtimes resulting in unhelpful behaviours due to potential feelings of overwhelm
How can we treat ARFID?
A treatment approach called SPACE-ARFID (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) offers a helpful framework. A primary goal is to build Food-Related Flexibility—helping children learn to adapt when foods or environments aren’t exactly as they expect. As a parent, you might notice how your child responds to slight changes, like eating in a new setting or trying a new version of a preferred food. Gradual encouragement to approach these situations can help them develop comfort with change, reducing stress when meals or social eating contexts differ. One empowering approach in ARFID treatment is understanding the Division of Responsibility in feeding which divides the roles of parents and children at mealtimes. You can learn more about our SPACE approach through this past blog called Empowering Parents.
How does this play out?
The parent’s role is to provide a variety of food in a calm, structured environment with regular mealtimes and the child’s role is to decide whether to eat and how much to eat. By clearly defining these roles, parents can provide exposure to food WITHOUT pressure and children are free to explore new foods at their own pace. Over time, this approach can build a healthier relationship with food and helps ease the rigidity that ARFID and external pressure can often bring to eating.
If you suspect your child might be struggling with ARFID, remember there is support available! Treatments that focus on GRADUALLY expanding food variety, easing anxieties around eating, and creating positive, pressure-free mealtimes can be impactful. Treating ARFID is not a sprint, it can be a marathon like any treatment, but by providing consistent and positive support, ARFID can be overcome.
We are here to help! Reach out to us at our booking page if you’d like more information or support.
