Many children experience sensory feeding challenges. This occurs when a child's sensory system reacts strongly to the look, smell, taste, texture, or temperature of food.
These sensitivities can make mealtimes stressful for the whole family. Sensory feeding issues are different from “picky eating”, and is rooted in how a child processes sensory information.
ARFID
What to do if you suspect a food allergy or intolerance in your child.
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a condition where individuals, including those with autism, either avoid specific foods or food groups, limit the quantity of food they consume, or both.
ARFID can affect people across all age groups. While some individuals with ARFID may have a low body weight, this is not a defining characteristic of the condition. ARFID can present in people of any weight and manifests differently from person to person.
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a condition where individuals either avoid specific foods or food groups, limit the quantity of food they consume, or both.
ARFID can affect people across all age groups, including children, teenagers, and adults. While some individuals with ARFID may experience weight loss or have a low body weight, this is not a defining characteristic of the condition. ARFID can present in people of any weight and manifests differently from person to person.
Avoidance of Certain Foods or Food Groups: Individuals may avoid specific textures, tastes, colors, or other sensory characteristics of foods.
Restrictive Food Intake: A limited overall quantity of food is consumed, which may result in insufficient nutritional intake.
Lack of Interest in Eating: Some individuals may show little or no appetite or lack interest in eating altogether.
Not Related to Body Image Concerns: Unlike eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, ARFID is not associated with a desire to lose weight or concerns about body shape or size.
Psychological and Social Impact: The condition may cause distress in social situations involving food and can interfere with everyday life, such as difficulty eating with others or limiting participation in social activities.
ARFID can lead to severe malnutrition and have a significant impact on mental health.
Some individuals may struggle to recognise feelings of hunger in the same way others do or may generally experience a low appetite. For them, eating can feel like a task rather than an enjoyable activity, making it difficult to consume enough food. Their limited intake is often due to a lack of interest in eating.
What can I do if I suspect my child has ARFID?
If you suspect you or your loved one might have ARFID, it’s important to book an appointment with a healthcare professional to discuss this.
Addressing these difficulties as soon as they are identified is often the most effective approach. The idea of changing eating habits can feel overwhelming, and the person affected may feel scared or not view their eating as a problem.
Some individuals with ARFID may struggle to imagine ever changing their eating patterns, which can make them hesitant to seek help or insist that everything is fine.
“She was very patient with me as I have memory issues and needed things explained multiple times. She never made me feel bad about it.”
Father of Grace, aged 4, Doncaster
“My child has Crohn’s disease, and we have struggled for years with meal planning. My dietitian’s advice was practical and made eating less stressful.”
Mother of Muhammad, aged 11, Leeds
“Vicky was aware of his complex medical history, so she was able to tailor her advice around her multiple conditions, making the session really beneficial.”
Father of Willow, aged 6, Leeds
"My child has autism and struggles with textures of food. The dietitian was so understanding and gave me advice that understood his sensory needs rather than forcing him into a rigid diet."
Mother of Theodore, aged 12, Leeds
“I just had a meeting with my dietitian, and it was life-changing. My child has multiple allergies and intolerances, and she helped me build a balanced diet without feeling like she was missing out.”
Mother of Isla, aged 9, London
"Emma was so kind and supportive. She understood the emotional side of all of this and helped me navigate her eating, which has been a battle for years."
Mother of Sophia, aged 9, Bath
"For years, I’ve struggled with my child’s weight due to medication side effects. My dietitian finally helped me understand what was happening and what we could do about it without feeling like a bad mum."
