Supporting neurodivergent children and young people with food sensitivities and eating differences
When to seek professional support
Some children experience eating difficulties that become severe enough to affect growth, nutrition or daily life.
In these cases, a condition called avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) may be considered.
ARFID is different from other eating disorders because it is not related to body image or weight concerns. Instead, it is often driven by sensory sensitivity, anxiety or fear of negative eating experiences.
Signs that specialist support may be helpful include:
- extremely limited diet
- significant weight loss or poor growth
- nutritional deficiencies
- strong fear of eating
- frequent gagging or vomiting
- lack of hunger or interest in food
Support may involve professionals such as:
- paediatric dietitians
- occupational therapists
- feeding specialists
- psychologists
Early support can help prevent eating difficulties from becoming more entrenched.
Reassurance for parents
Many parents feel guilt or worry about their child’s restricted diet. It is important to remember that limited food choices do not automatically mean poor nutrition.
Many commonly preferred foods are fortified with vitamins and minerals, including:
- breakfast cereals
- bread
- dairy products
If a child:
- has access to their safe foods
- eats when they are hungry
- continues to grow and gain weight
their diet may still be nutritionally adequate.
Growth is one of the best indicators of overall nutritional health, which is why healthcare professionals often monitor height, weight and growth patterns over time.
Perhaps most importantly, reducing blame and pressure helps families feel more confident and relaxed around food.
Calmer mealtimes create the conditions where children can slowly develop more flexible eating habits.
Progress in eating usually happens gradually and through many small steps, but those small steps can make a meaningful difference over time.
