AFRID and fear of food in children
Summary
Paediatric occupational therapist Teresa Foley discusses the spectrum of childhood eating difficulties, distinguishing normal neophobia from Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). She explains that while temporary pickiness is common, ARFID involves severe sensory-based food fear often linked to neurodivergence. Foley advises parents to maintain low-pressure meal environments and avoid hiding vegetables, while identifying red flags like continuous food loss or social withdrawal.
Topics discussed
Introduction to ARFID and guest Teresa Foley
Normal picky eating and food neophobia in toddlers
Parental strategies: keeping mealtimes low-pressure
Why hiding vegetables in food is not recommended
Texture sensitivities during the weaning process
Red flags for problem eating and restricted diets
Defining ARFID and its diagnostic criteria
The link between ARFID and neurodivergence
Multidisciplinary treatment approaches for ARFID
Listener Q&A: Managing a fussy two-year-old's meals
Listener Q&A: Teenager dropping foods after choking
Listener Q&A: Fear of vomiting affecting eating
Listener Q&A: Expanding diet beyond fruit pouches
Listener Q&A: Mealtime duration and seating for toddlers
Closing remarks and thanks to the guest
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