Children's Eating Disorder- ARFID

Anonymous

Children's Eating Disorder- ARFID

Does anyone have a child who has been diagnosed with ARFID? I've not been able to fine a lot on it only a few literature pieces. My child was diagnosed today and it's been a roller coaster of emotions. I can't seem to find any forums or "normal" discussions on it. It's a relief to finally have someone on my side and acknowledged that my child is not just "fussy" but the fear and very thing else is overwhelming.

Posted in:  Mental Health, Health & Wellbeing, Baby & Toddler, Baby Feeding, Kids

3 Replies

Anonymous

Hi, my son had ARFID + autism. Which is quite common with kids who do have autism. Although having ARFID doesn't mean your child has autism it is very common with kids on the spectrum.
My son is now an adult and eats a very wide variety of foods it took a long time and an extensive eating program of consistently exposing him go foods in a very systematic way over a long period of time. This was conducted with the assistance of speech therapist and behavioural psychologist.
As an adult (21) he eats a variety of foods, and it's only the occasional odd food he avoids. For example doesn't like boiled peas and still can't tolerate mushrooms, but loves Asian foods, Italian basically everything!

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Anonymous

Thank-you. ASD has been ruled out, we've just gone through a four week assessment. What age was he when you started with the therapies? Did you yourself get support during it?

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Anonymous

He was about 4.

Yes I did get some counselling for myself.

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