Avoidant / Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a condition that can impact people of all ages, including children, adolescents and adults.

ARFID is an eating or feeding disorder where a person’s food intake is persistently limited or restricted in variety and/or quantities, and can result in a failure to meet nutritional needs, nutritional deficits and interfere with a person’s quality of life. Food may be restricted due to sensory issues, based upon the taste, texture, smell or appearance of the food or in an attempt to avoid the food group entirely (e.g. vegetables). Certain foods may also be avoided due to a fear that eating will result in a negative consequence (e.g. choking, vomiting) or due to a lack of interest in food and early satiety.

Recovery from ARFID is a gradual process that requires patience, understanding, and expert guidance. Our skilled team of psychologists and dietitians are committed to walking alongside individuals and families as they work towards expanding their food repertoire, improving their nutritional status, and regaining a healthier relationship with food.

Note - due to the complexity of ARFID, a multidisciplinary team approach is recommended.

We will assess your needs during the intake call and make clinical recommendations which may involve alternative services.

This may include tertiary care and inpatient units, and/or allied health professionals (Occupational Therapist or Speech Pathologists) to adequately meet the needs of the individual.

Our ARFID Clinic:

• Our ARFID clinic is suitable for children (>10 years), adolescents and adults with significant food restrictions.

• Your first appointment will be an ARFID assessment with our ARFID clinicians, who will assess the difficulty experienced with food, identify any nutritional deficiencies, explore likes and dislikes, assess sensory preferences, identify behaviours that might be getting in the way and examine the impact that the eating problem is having upon development and growth, and/or quality of life.

• Following this, the first stage of treatment with the ARFID clinician focuses on nutritional recovery, behavioural interventions and practical skills, to help take steps towards recovery.

• Our ARFID clinicians are Accredited Practising Dietitians who have specialised training and knowledge in assessing and treating ARFID.

• Additional support is incorporated where necessary. This may include accessing mental health support with one of our psychologists, or engaging additional external allied health providers.

Click here to download further information on our ARFID clinic