A guide for parents & professionals
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Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect individuals across all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Neurodivergent children and youth may be at increased risk of exhibiting disordered eating behaviours or developing an eating disorder.
Understanding neurodiversity and eating disorders
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variations in the human brain that influence learning, attention, mood, socialization, and sensory experiences. Some more recognized types of neurodivergence include autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Neurodivergent individuals may experience unique challenges especially when it comes to nutrition and eating behaviors. It is important to recognize when your child's eating behaviors could be signaling a more serious problem than "just picky eating."
What are the signs of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder?
Children with an avoidant/restrictive feeding intake disorder (ARFID) fall within at least of three main categories:
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Some children are very selective eaters who may have strong negative reactions to smells, tastes, textures, or colors of foods. They may be highly fearful of new foods and have had negative experiences related to unfamiliar foods.
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Some children may have an overall lack of interest in eating and have a very low appetite or find eating minimally enjoyable or not at all.
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Other children are afraid of what might happen when they eat; for example, having had frightening experiences like pain, an allergic reaction, choking, or vomiting food.
Some children with ARFID fall within just one of these categories, while others are in more than one.
What are the warning signs to look for?
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Avoidance of entire food groups or rigid eating behaviours or patterns
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Intense anxiety around mealtimes or eating in front of others
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Ritualistic food behaviors (e.g., eating foods in a specific order, separating food items)
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Highly sensitive reactions to food (e.g., texture, taste, shape, smell, colour)
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Emotional or physical distress or shutdowns related to food
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Challenges with socializing because of the above eating behaviors
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Your own extreme distress and frustration in trying to understand and manage your child's challenging behaviors
Could my child have avoidant restrictive food intake disorder?
Avoidant/restrictive feeding intake disorder (ARFID) is a type of eating disorder where individuals limit the amount and/or variety of foods they eat. Unlike the other eating disorders, food avoidance or restriction is not related to distress about body shape, size or weight. Instead, in ARFID, selective eating is motivated by a lack of interest in eating or food, sensory sensitivity (e.g., strong reactions to taste, texture, smell of foods), and/or a fear of negative consequences (e.g., of choking, vomiting, or having an allergic reaction). Neurodivergent children are more likely to exhibit signs of ARFID.
It is normal for kids to prefer processed foods—they are consistent in taste, texture and smell, which can feel safe and comforting.
What problems can happen with ARFID?
ARFID may lead to physical health problems from poor nutrition. Kids with the disorder may:
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Not get enough vitamins, minerals, and protein leading to nutritional deficiencies
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May lose weight when expected to be gaining weight
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Do not grow as expected leading to delayed puberty
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May be using supplements to maintain weight
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May lead to medical instability
If you suspect your child may be struggling with ARFID this webinar and resources may be helpful to you
Short ARFID Screening Tool for Parents and Carers: A screening tool designed to help parents and carers identify whether their child's eating habits are a flag for the possibility that they are experiencing avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).
Empowering Caregivers with Strategies to Support Children with Symptoms of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): A webinar by BC Children's Hospital that aims to empower caregivers in supporting children who have symptoms of ARFID, discuss what ARFID is, and review when eating patterns may fit with ARFID. Practical strategies for caregivers to support their child will be shared, along with specific tips for managing eating concerns that are happening alongside physical symptoms like stomach pain or nausea.
About the author
EmbodyBC equips BC parents and professionals with trusted resources to support young people before they develop an eating disorder. Embody is a provincial program of Family Services of the North Shore.
