ARFID: More Than Just Picky Eating

If your autistic child is anything like mine, you’ve probably dealt with food struggles. Maybe your child only eats a handful of “safe” foods, avoids entire food groups, or would rather skip a meal than try something new. While some people may call it picky eating, it could be something more: ARFID.

What Is ARFID?

ARFID stands for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Unlike other eating disorders, it’s not about body image or weight. Kids with ARFID aren’t worried about being “fat.” Instead, eating feels overwhelming, scary, or even impossible.

When a child has ARFID, avoiding food can cause challenges with growth, nutrition, and emotional health. It’s not just stubbornness. It’s a legitimate disorder that deserves understanding.

Why It Happens

ARFID often shows up in kids with autism or ADHD because their brains process sensory input differently. A few common reasons include:

• Sensory sensitivities: textures, smells, or even how food looks can be unbearable.
  

• Past negative experiences: choking or throwing up once can make a child fear that food forever.
  

• Body signals: some kids struggle to notice when they’re hungry or full.
  

• Anxiety: just the thought of trying something new can feel paralyzing.
  

It’s no wonder that processed foods feel safer. A potato chip is the same every time. But a blueberry always seems to be different. One day it’s sweet, the next it’s sour. That unpredictability makes fresh foods tough for many kids.

Busting the Myths

If you’ve heard unhelpful advice about your child’s eating, you’re not alone. Some common myths about ARFID include:

• “They’ll grow out of it.” → Not always.
  

• “They’re just picky.” → This goes way beyond picky eating.
  

• “It’s bad parenting.” → ARFID is not caused by parenting.
  

These myths only add guilt and judgment for parents who are already carrying a lot.

How It Affects Families

ARFID doesn’t just impact one child. It can affect the entire family. Mealtimes may feel like constant negotiations. Parents may feel stressed or judged. Siblings may feel frustrated when rules seem different for them.

If this sounds familiar, know that you are not failing as a parent. You’re navigating a legitimate eating disorder, and you’re not alone.

Finding Support

The good news is that there are supports that can help:

• Feeding therapy through occupational or speech therapists
  

• Dietitians who understand ARFID and nutrition needs
  

• Mental health providers who can help kids with anxiety
  

• At-home strategies like modeling eating different foods, reducing pressure at mealtimes, and celebrating small steps
  

Progress won’t happen overnight, and it won’t always be linear. With time, patience, and the right support, kids with ARFID can build a healthier relationship with food.

If you’re walking through food struggles with your child, you don’t have to do it alone. Inside the Neurodivergent Parenting Community, you’ll find other parents who get it, along with resources and support to help you navigate challenges like ARFID with more confidence and less stress.