Oak Brook, Ill.—It’s not uncommon for children to experience food aversions throughout the years, but they typically resolve as your child grows. But what happens when your child goes beyond the “picky eating” phase and starts to really struggle with food and eating? It’s possible they could have ARFID – avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder – an eating disorder where a person regularly avoids or limits how much they eat, not due to body image concerns, but in response to sensory issues with textures or flavors, low appetite, or fears from experiences like choking or nausea.
While ARFID is most common in children and young adolescents, it can occur in late adolescence and adulthood. If left untreated in children, ARFID can significantly impact nutrition, development, and emotional well-being. This is why seeking specialized care is critical.
"ARFID is not a ‘stage’ or normal part of development; it’s a treatable eating disorder,” said Eating Recovery Center Regional Clinical Director Kim Anderson, PhD, CEDS. “And caregivers should know – you're not alone. Resources are available to support families and children throughout the treatment process, and effective, age-appropriate care can help children safely rebuild their relationship with food.”
Anderson said early, specialized treatment for ARFID is essential because it can help prevent long-term health complications, support proper growth and development, and restore a healthy and balanced approach to eating for young people. Symptoms look different for each person, but some signs your child could be struggling with ARFID include:
Having a lack of interest in food
Avoiding foods due to sensory characteristics such as texture, consistency, taste, and smell
Refusing to try new foods
Requiring food to be prepared a specific way
Experiencing fear around eating certain foods due to concerns about potential allergic reactions, choking, vomiting, or gastrointestinal discomfort, leading to avoidance of specific foods or eating in general
Eating Recovery Center Oak Brook offers a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to treating ARFID, including small, in-person groups, individualized treatment plans, and a sensory-friendly environment tailored to patients’ needs. The treatment team supports adolescents in gradually broadening the range of foods they can comfortably eat, building confidence at mealtimes, developing effective coping skills, and enhancing both their physical and emotional well-being. In addition, patients have access to an Educational Specialist to help keep them connected to learning while in treatment. To learn more about Oak Brook’s programming, visit: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/recovery-centers/chicago/oak-brook.
ARFID STATS & FACTS: https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/resources/arfid-statistics-facts