Feeding your child shouldn’t feel like a daily battle. But if every meal feels like a negotiation, if safe foods change overnight, or if your child would rather go hungry than eat something unfamiliar – you’re not alone. This might be Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).
What is ARFID?
ARFID is not just picky eating. It’s a complex feeding difference where food can feel like a genuine sensory or psychological threat. Kids (and adults) with ARFID may find eating incredibly challenging due to:
⚠️ Sensory processing differences — taste, texture, smell, or even how food looks can feel overwhelming or distressing
⚠️ Anxiety, trauma, or fear related to eating or past experiences with food
⚠️ Interoception challenges — difficulty recognising hunger, fullness, or what the body needs
⚠️ A strong need for consistency — same brand, same preparation, same plate or cutlery, every time
Why ARFID is So Common in Neurodivergent Kids
ARFID often shows up in neurodivergent children — especially those with ADHD, autism, or both. These kids aren’t being difficult. Their nervous systems experience food differently. And the strategies that work for neurotypical kids? They can backfire here.
Trying to force, reward, or coax them into eating doesn’t fix the issue — it often creates more stress, shuts down appetite, or breaks trust.
Common Myths About ARFID
❌ “They’ll grow out of it.”
Without the right support, ARFID can become more entrenched over time — not less.
❌ “They’re just being dramatic.”
If they could eat without distress, they would. This isn’t about attention or control.
❌ “Just keep offering new foods, they’ll get used to it.”
Exposures can help — but only when the child feels safe and in control. Pressure often does the opposite.
❌ “They only eat beige foods.”
Some do. Others don’t. Food preferences depend on culture, access, and sensory preferences.
What Parents Can Do (Without a Fight)
Let go of food ‘shoulds.’
What matters most is that your child is nourished — even if that’s with the same three foods for now.
Reduce pressure.
No forcing, bribing, or needing “just one bite.” Creating a safe, calm space matters more than what gets eaten.
Allow distractions.
For many neurodivergent kids, screens or audiobooks help regulate their nervous system enough to eat.
Let them take the lead.
If they show interest in something new, let them explore it in their own way — even if they don’t eat it.
Skip the comments.
Even well-meaning praise like “I’m so proud of you for trying that!” can create pressure. Let the food be neutral.
Final Thoughts
If your child has ARFID, it’s not your fault. You’re navigating something most people don’t understand — and you’re doing it with care and intention.
Supporting your child doesn’t mean “fixing” them. It means helping them feel safe enough to eat, in whatever way works for them. That might not look like the Pinterest lunchbox — but it is enough.
For a deeply personal look into life with ARFID, listen to Claire Britton’s story here.
️ For practical, neuroaffirming strategies from a clinical perspective, tune into our episode with nutritionist Margo White.
