Managing Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
ARFID Treatment and Therapy in Toronto
What is ARFID?
ARFID is an eating disorder characterized by significant struggles with eating and food, resulting in the individual receiving insufficient nutrition through their diet. It is not related to body image nor fear of gaining weight. Fortunately, there are virtual and in-person treatments and therapies in Toronto that can help children manage the challenges faced with ARFID.
What are Common Symptoms of ARFID?
Children with ARFID tend to have an eating disturbance, such as:
Difficulty digesting certain food
A lack of interest in eating or food
Eat small portions or have no appetite
Avoid certain colours or textures of food
Fear eating after an incident with choking or throwing up
As a result, children with ARFID do not receive enough nutrition and may show the following symptoms:
Significant weight loss
Abdominal pain, constipation, upset stomach
Cold intolerance
Irregular periods
Difficulty concentrating
Hair loss
Muscle weakness
Dizziness
Sleep problems
Social isolation
How to Support Children with ARFID?
For instructions:
Provide verbal or nonverbal prompts to redirect the child’s focus
Prearrange a space where the child can go if they do not want to eat in front of others
For social skills:
Use role-playing to teach the child conversation skills
For emotional regulation:
Teach the child self-regulation strategies to help calm down anxiety around food (i.e. deep breathing, muscle relaxation)
ARFID Support for Families
For individuals and families in Toronto struggling with ARFID, there are a variety of in-person and virtual treatments that may be beneficial, including:
ARFID or eating disorder programs and groups for kids
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Exposure therapy
Dialectical behavioural therapy
Emotional regulation training
Social skills training
Family therapy
ARFID or eating disorder parent training