Is It Picky Eating, Or Something More?

What Is ARFID? (And Why It’s Not Just Picky Eating)

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably dealt with some version of picky eating. Maybe your kid refuses anything green, only eats food that comes in nugget form, or insists their sandwich be cut into triangles—not squares, Mom. That’s all part of normal development.

But sometimes, it’s more than that.

Enter ARFID—short for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It’s a mouthful (pun intended), but understanding it can be a game-changer if your child struggles with eating in a way that’s causing real stress, health issues, or family mealtime battles.

So... what exactly is ARFID?

ARFID is an eating disorder that has nothing to do with body image or trying to be thin. Kids (and sometimes adults) with ARFID aren’t worried about their weight—they’re just extremely limited in what they feel comfortable eating. This can be because of:

• Sensory sensitivities (like certain textures or smells)

• A fear of choking or vomiting

• Past trauma involving food

• A general lack of interest in eating

• 
  

For some kids, just the idea of trying a new food can bring on full-blown panic. We’re not talking about mild fussiness—we’re talking about daily stress, nutritional gaps, and serious anxiety around food.

Signs your child might have ARFID:

• Eats a very small number of foods (sometimes fewer than 10!)

• Gets anxious or upset at the idea of trying new foods

• Avoids entire food groups or textures

• Struggles to gain weight or grow appropriately

• Needs nutritional supplements just to get through the day

• Avoids parties, restaurants, or sleepovers because of food worries

• 
  

If you’ve ever packed an entire lunch just for your child to come home with it untouched—or if you find yourself making two or three different meals every night—this might sound familiar.

But isn’t picky eating normal?

Totally! Most young kids go through picky phases. The difference is that ARFID isn’t just a phase—it sticks around, and it can start to seriously affect a child’s health, growth, and quality of life.

If eating feels like a battle every single day, and your child is really anxious, avoidant, or falling behind nutritionally, it’s time to take a closer look.

Who gets ARFID?

Anyone can develop ARFID, but it’s especially common in kids who have:

• Autism

• ADHD

• Sensory processing challenges

• Anxiety

• A history of medical issues or trauma involving eating

• 
  

That said, ARFID can absolutely affect kids without any other diagnosis, too.

Can ARFID be treated?

Yes! With the right support, things can get better. Treatment often includes:

• Gently introducing new foods in a safe, playful way

• Helping kids manage anxiety around eating

• Sensory based play to help kids get comfortable with different types of food

• Working as a team (therapists, dietitians, and YOU!) to meet your child’s needs

• Children 10 and older can participate in CBT to help reduce the anxiety around food

  
  

The goal isn’t to force your child to eat broccoli tomorrow, it’s to help them feel safe around food which expands their choices, and take the stress out of mealtimes.

You’re not alone!

If your child’s eating feels like a constant struggle, know this: You’re not a bad parent. And your child isn’t trying to be difficult. ARFID is real, and it can be so tough, and with understanding and the right approach, things can change.

At Mountainside Counseling Services, we support families navigating ARFID with compassion, expertise, and real-world strategies that work. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out, we’re here to help!