Image by Danie Franco

Is It Picky Eating or Something More? Breaking Down ARFID

Food is a source of nourishment and joy. From grandma’s best recipe to dinner at your favorite restaurant, food can bring such an element of delight to every person. But for some, it can feel more like a battleground. For young people with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), even the thought of eating can spark feelings of fear, frustration, or discomfort. Whether it’s a certain texture, a bad experience like choking, or a fear of feeling sick, ARFID can take a toll on not just a child’s body but their confidence and happiness too. 

In the maze of mental health disorders that affect young people, ARFID is often misunderstood or overlooked. While it shares some characteristics with other eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, ARFID is distinct in both its causes and symptoms. It’s a condition that demands more awareness, as its impact on children and young adults can be profound, influencing not only physical health but also emotional and social well-being.

“Children often express their struggles through their relationship with food,” says Hidden Strength CEO Linsey Lunny. “When mental health issues manifest as changes in eating habits—whether avoiding certain foods or refusing to eat altogether—it’s a signal that something deeper may be at play.”

So, What is ARFID?

Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by a desire to lose weight or an intense fear of gaining weight. Instead, ARFID is characterized by an extreme avoidance of certain foods or an overall lack of interest in eating. Young people with ARFID often have a very narrow diet, excluding entire food groups or refusing to eat foods with specific textures, smells, or colors. Over time, this selective eating can result in nutritional deficiencies, delayed growth, and social difficulties, as meals become sources of anxiety rather than enjoyment.

“ARFID isn’t about how a person sees their body—it’s about fear, sensitivity, and control. This makes it fundamentally different from other eating disorders, though the physical and emotional toll can be just as significant.” explains Lunny. 

How ARFID Is Linked to Mental Health

Mental health plays a critical role in the development and persistence of ARFID. Anxiety disorders, sensory processing issues, and past trauma can create a vicious cycle in which food avoidance exacerbates underlying emotional struggles, further isolating the individual. Disrupted mental health doesn’t always present as classic symptoms like sadness or irritability; sometimes, it shows up in the form of rigid, selective eating.

Addressing ARFID requires a comprehensive approach that considers both the mental and physical aspects of the disorder.

For parents, watching their child struggle at mealtimes can feel overwhelming, leaving them searching for answers and support. The good news is that you’re not alone, and help is available to turn mealtimes back into moments of connection and care. Understanding ARFID is the first step in the journey to recovery—and to reclaiming the joy food can bring.

The first step in seeking help is understanding that ARFID is a treatable condition. For those with ARFID, overcoming the stigma that selective eating is simply picky behavior or a phase is a huge hurdle.

“Taking the first step toward help is always the hardest—especially when it means challenging a lifelong fear or pattern. But help is out there, and recovery is possible for anyone ready to take that leap.”

It’s essential for parents, teachers, and peers to recognize that ARFID is a serious mental health issue requiring empathy and professional intervention. Therapy, often involving a multidisciplinary team that includes therapists, dietitians, and sometimes occupational therapists, can be highly effective.

By spreading awareness, fostering compassion, and connecting families to resources, we can ensure that children facing ARFID receive the help they need. Early intervention is crucial, but recovery is always within reach. Together, we can turn food from a source of fear into one of nourishment and joy.