Anxiety Therapy
ARFID: Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
ARFID is an eating disorder that differs from ordinary picky eating in its intensity and effect on nutrition, growth or daily functioning. Avoidance may be driven by fear, sensory sensitivity or low interest in food.
We support gradual, exposure-based work at a pace the child can manage, with parents included in the plan.
What it can look like
ARFID is an eating disorder that differs from ordinary picky eating in severity and impact. A child may avoid food after a choking or vomiting fear, accept only a narrow range of textures or show very little interest in eating. Meals, travel and school routines can become organized around finding acceptable options.
- Avoiding food because of fear of choking or vomiting
- A very narrow range of accepted textures, tastes or smells
- Low interest in eating or difficulty noticing hunger
- Distress around meals, restaurants or unfamiliar foods
- Family routines becoming organized around food avoidance
Understanding the pattern
A child is not simply being difficult. Fear, sensory experiences or low appetite can make eating feel demanding, while pressure and conflict may increase avoidance.
Fear, sensory sensitivity and low interest require different starting points, even when the food list looks similar. Pressure at the table can increase distress, while preparing a separate meal every time may limit opportunities to learn. We work with parents to understand what drives avoidance before planning practice.
How we help
We use gradual exposure to help a child approach foods and related situations in manageable steps. Parent coaching supports predictable responses and practice without turning every meal into a test.
Exposure-based work may begin with tolerating a new food on the table, touching it, smelling it or taking another agreed step. The pace is chosen around what the child can practice successfully, not around forcing a bite. Parent coaching supports neutral language, predictable meals and recognition of effort.
Sessions are held by secure telehealth for clients physically located in Florida, from the Panhandle to the Keys. Get in touch to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation.
Putting skills into daily life
Practice is individualized and may begin with tolerating a food nearby, interacting with it or taking a small agreed step. We coordinate with the broader care plan when medical or nutritional support is involved.
Families may repeat one food interaction outside the main meal so the child can learn without a prolonged standoff. Progress can include greater tolerance, curiosity or flexibility before the range of eaten foods changes. If there are concerns about weight, growth or nutrition, your child's medical team comes first, and we work alongside them.
The first target depends on why eating is hard. Fear-based avoidance may call for work with choking or vomiting cues, sensory sensitivity may begin with tolerating a texture and low interest may require dependable opportunities without prolonged pressure. Parents learn to describe food neutrally and keep the agreed practice separate from arguments about finishing a meal.
Treatment goals are connected to daily function, such as sitting with family, managing a school lunch or having another option while traveling. A clearly defined purpose helps adults avoid measuring every session by bites alone. We review sensory, fear and interest factors as practice changes so the plan continues to match the child.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Get in TouchWe'd be honored to be part of your support system. Whether you're ready to get started or just have a few questions, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you take the next step with confidence and care.