ARFID

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

What is ARFID?

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a newer eating disorder, and was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) in 2013. ARFID is an eating pattern that is common among some neurodivergent individuals and often misunderstood in traditional clinical settings.

From a neuro-affirming perspective, ARFID reflects a natural variation in how individuals experience, process, and respond to food, rather than a disorder that needs to be “fixed.” This variation often stems from sensory processing differences or experiences around food that may lead someone to feel safer with a narrower range of foods.

People with ARFID may have strong sensory preferences or aversions, making certain textures, flavours, smells, or even colours of foods challenging to engage with.

These sensory sensitivities are valid and represent a different way of interacting with the world, not a deficiency.

For some individuals, unfamiliar foods or intense flavours can feel overwhelming or even distressing, which might lead to a reliance on specific “safe” foods that feel predictable and comfortable.

Another important aspect of ARFID is that it’s not motivated by concerns about body image or weight, as seen in other eating disorders. Instead, ARFID may be linked to genuine discomfort or heightened sensory responses, as well as an instinct to avoid negative physical sensations like nausea, gagging, or the fear of choking.

How can a Dietitian help someone with ARFID?

In a neuro-affirming approach, dietetic treatment and support for individuals with ARFID focus on understanding their unique needs and preferences without pressuring them to conform to typical eating expectations.

This might involve gradual and consensual exposure to a wider range of foods if they choose, as well as nutritional support that honours their boundaries and helps ensure they get the nutrients they need in a way that feels safe and manageable.

Ultimately, ARFID is best approached with empathy, respect, and a recognition that diverse eating preferences and needs are part of the broad spectrum of human experience.

Rather than viewing these eating patterns as inherently problematic, the neuro-affirming approach encourages understanding, autonomy, and support in a way that fosters well-being without pathologising natural differences.

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