Virtual ARFID Nutrition Therapy for Children, Teens & Adults
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) involves extreme difficulty eating enough food or accepting a varied diet. Concerns often stem from sensory sensitivities (textures, tastes, smells, or appearances), low appetite/interest in eating, or fear of unpleasant consequences like choking, vomiting, or illness. I offer specialized, gentle telehealth nutrition support for children, adolescents, and adults navigating ARFID across Florida, New York, California, Texas, and worldwide.
Individualized Nutrition Support
We start by understanding what eating is like for you or your child and identifying what feels most overwhelming at meals. Together, we establish manageable, pressure-free nutrition steps. Care focuses on stabilizing meal routines, expanding food variety at a comfortable pace, and overcoming fear-based eating barriers. Every plan is neurodiversity-affirming, respects sensory preferences, and coordinates with your outpatient care team.
Support for Parents and Caregivers
Parenting a child or teen with ARFID can feel isolating and stressful. We focus on practical, low-stress mealtime strategies that make nutrition workable at home without turning mealtimes into battles. We discuss home routines, safe foods, exposure pace, and how parental involvement aligns with speech, occupational, or feeding therapy.
Is This Service Right for Me or My Child?
You are welcome to ask about selective eating, sensory food aversion, or limited food variety—even if you do not have an official ARFID diagnosis. Reach out to share your questions and confirm telehealth authorization where you or your child will be during sessions. We can explore how nutrition care fits into your overall treatment goals.
You are welcome to send me your questions. Sending a message does not commit you to an appointment.
Understanding Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
What is ARFID?
ARFID stands for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Unlike anorexia or bulimia, ARFID is not driven by body dissatisfaction or a desire to change weight or shape. Instead, restricted eating is related to sensory sensitivities (textures, smells, temperatures), a lack of interest in food/low appetite, or a phobia/fear of negative consequences such as choking, vomiting, or GI pain.
When is Limited Eating More Than Picky Eating?
While many children pass through phases of selective eating, professional assessment is recommended when limited eating compromises physical growth, causes nutritional deficiencies, requires supplement dependence, or creates severe distress during family meals and social events. ARFID affects infants, children, teens, and adults—it is a clinical condition, not simply "fussy eating."
Compassionate, Person-Centered Support
A comprehensive assessment helps identify medical, nutritional, sensory, and emotional needs. Treatment supports adequate nourishment and gradual food flexibility through an individualized approach that respects sensory boundaries and fears. You do not need to wait for growth or health to be compromised before reaching out.
Sources: The Alliance for Eating Disorders: ARFID · Eating Recovery Center: ARFID.