Helping Children with ARFID: What You Can Do (Part 2)

Why ARFID Needs a Flexible Approach

ARFID isn’t one-size-fits-all. Most children have a mix of reasons for avoiding food-like sensory sensitivities, low interest in eating, or fear of bad experiences (such as choking, gut issue, been told off by adult if s/he spit out the food etc.,). That’s why solutions need to be flexible and tailored to each child’s needs.

DIY Strategies: What You Can Try at Home

• Keep mealtimes relaxed and pressure-free. Avoid forcing, bribing, or arguing about food.
• Offer new foods alongside safe favorites, but let your child decide if they want to try them.
• Use gentle exposure: Let your child look at, touch, or smell new foods before tasting. Celebrate every small step.
• Stick to regular meal and snack times. Predictable routines help children feel safe.
• Let your child help with shopping, preparing, or serving food. This can make new foods less scary.
• Respect sensory needs. If your child dislikes certain textures, try preparing foods in different ways (e.g., cooked vs. raw, cut in new shapes).
• Always include at least one 'safe' food at every meal so your child doesn’t go hungry.
• Encourage but don’t force. It can take many tries before a new food is accepted-be patient and positive.
• Model trying new foods yourself. Kids learn a lot by watching adults.

When Home Strategies Aren’t Enough

If your child eats fewer than 20 foods, avoids whole food groups, is losing weight, difficulty to concentrate in their studies, effects school performance, shown mentally and physically symptom, fainted or and turned pale often, or mealtime stress is affecting family life, it’s time to get extra support. ARFID is complex and sometimes needs a team approach.

What Does Professional Help Look Like?

• A health check-up appointment booked with a doctor, discusses the concern or gets a prescription if needed.
• A pediatrician checks growth, rules out medical causes, and helps coordinate care.
• A dietitian assesses nutrition and creates a plan to fill any gaps.
• A psychologist or therapist (often using CBT or family-based therapy) helps address food fears, anxiety, or past trauma.
• Occupational or speech therapists may help if sensory or motor issues are present or related to slow processed conditions.
• All professionals work together and with your family to make a plan that fits your child’s unique needs.

Why Teamwork Matters

ARFID is best managed when everyone-parents, doctors, dietitians, and therapists-works together. Each brings a different skill to help your child. If you feel stuck, don’t hesitate to ask for a referral or second opinion.