Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

There are 3 types/signs of ARFID behaviours:

  1. Children who are very selective eaters and may have strong negative reactions to smells, tastes, textures, or colors of foods. They may be highly fearful of new foods and scared of negative experiences related to unfamiliar foods.
  2. Some children may deny hunger and lack interest in eating. They may also have a very low appetite resulting in decreased intake. They may find eating minimally rewarding.
  3. Other children may be afraid of what might happen when they eat. They may have a fear of: chocking, pain, vomiting etc.

Children with ARFID may display one or all of the above signs.

Some kids with ARFID may be underweight, while others reach a normal weight but may eat such a limited diet that they don’t grow, or it gets in the way of their school, family, and social lives.
Kids with ARFID are more likely to have:

  • Anxiety or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit disorder (ADHD)
  • Problems at home and school because of their eating habits

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