Does My Child Have ARFID? Learn the Symptoms

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a food and eating disorder that can occur at any age. While the symptoms of ARFID can be similar to picky eating, there are more specific signs you can watch out for that may indicate your child’s behaviors are more severe than typical picky eating and may require additional attention and support. 

Forms of ARFID

ARFID can be presented in three different forms (1):

• Low interest in eating/food: Some kids may not feel hungry often or may show little interest in eating. They may also take a long time to eat or only take small bites at a time. 
• Sensory sensitivities: Some children with ARFID avoid foods because of texture, smell, taste or appearance. They may eat only specific brands of foods or a very limited number of “safe” foods and refuse anything outside of that range. 
• Fear of negative consequences: Some children may stop eating certain foods (or eat very little) after a scary experience, like choking or vomiting, that happened to them or that they heard about. They may also feel anxious at meals because they’re afraid it could happen again.

While a child may present with one form of ARFID, many children experience a combination of these forms. One study found that more than 50% of individuals with ARFID had more than one form. (2)

Common signs and symptoms of ARFID (3):

Here are some common signs and symptoms of ARFID that you may notice in your child.

• Eating behaviors that severely restrict food intake.
• Nutritional deficiencies.
• Delayed growth or growing slower than expected.
• High anxiety around food or mealtimes.
• Avoiding social events that involve food.
• Intense family stress around meals.
• Having to bring your own food to events.

Anxiety and ARFID

ARFID and anxiety are closely connected. Some children with ARFID may feel anxious while eating, fearing choking, vomiting or having an allergic reaction or stomachaches. One study even found that a greater fear of negative food consequences was associated with possible anxiety disorders. (4) 

Other kids may feel overwhelmed with new foods or changes to routine. When meals become stressful or pressured, their anxiety can grow even more. Understanding how anxiety plays a role in your child’s eating restrictions can help parents to provide support during mealtimes. 

Autism and ARFID

Autism and ARFID are often connected, especially as children with Autism/Autistic children experience strong sensory sensitivities and a need for structured routines. Both children with Autism or ARFID may be especially sensitive to food textures, smells, temperatures or even colors. They may also prefer foods to be prepared in a certain way and feel distressed if there are any changes in meals. 

It has been found that children with neurodivergence, such as those with Autism or ADHD, have a higher occurrence of ARFID as well. (5) One study even found that co-occurrence of ARFID and Autism can possibly be high enough that those with Autism should always be tested for ARFID, and vice versa. (6)

Sensory issues and ARFID

Sensory issues are closely connected to ARFID as it involves refusal of foods due to sensory discomfort. Similar to children with Autism/Autistic children, children with sensory processing challenges, such as those with a sensory processing disorder or with higher sensitivity to taste or smell, may be more likely to experience ARFID. (7) 

When to seek support

If your child or family is experiencing any of the following, reaching out to a health care professional can help determine whether your child may have ARFID.

• Your child’s food restriction is worsening over time.
• Restricted eating is leading to growth concerns.
• Your child is losing weight.
• Your child has stopped eating full food groups and their limited diet is affecting family functioning.
• Mealtimes are consistently stressful or overwhelming.
• You’re concerned your child has a nutritional deficiency.

Recognizing early signs or symptoms of ARFID can help you get appropriate support and treatment for your child. If your child’s eating feels extremely restrictive, stressful, or is affecting their growth or daily life, reaching out for guidance can make a meaningful difference for both your child and your family.

References

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596 
2. Fisher, M., Zimmerman, J., Bucher, C. et al. ARFID at 10 years: A Review of Medical, Nutritional and Psychological Evaluation and Management. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 25, 421–429 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-023-00900-w
3. Kambanis, P. E., Kuhnle, M. C., Wons, O. B., Jo, J. H., Keshishian, A. C., Hauser, K., Becker, K. R., Franko, D. L., Misra, M., Micali, N., Lawson, E. A., Eddy, K. T., & Thomas, J. J. (2020). Prevalence and correlates of psychiatric comorbidities in children and adolescents with full and subthreshold avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. The International journal of eating disorders, 53(2), 256–265. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23191
4. Van Buuren, L., Fleming, C.A.K., Hay, P. et al. The prevalence and burden of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in a general adolescent population. J Eat Disord 11, 104 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-023-00831-x
5. Koomar T, Thomas TR, Pottschmidt NR, Lutter M, Michaelson JJ. Estimating the prevalence and genetic risk mechanisms of ARFID in a large autism cohort. Front Psychiatry. 2021;12.doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.668297.
6. Sader, M., Weston, A., Buchan, K., Kerr-Gaffney, J., Gillespie-Smith, K., Sharpe, H. and Duffy, F. (2025), The Co-Occurrence of Autism and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): A Prevalence-Based Meta-Analysis. Int J Eat Disord, 58: 473-488. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.24369
7. Gydus J, Holman K, Harshman S, Stull M, Kuhnle M, Wons O, Asanza E, Hauser K, Stern C, Becker KR, Kambanis PE, Misra M, Eddy KT, Micali N, Lawson EA, & Thomas JJ (2025). Differences in perceived versus actual sensory perception in avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. International Journal of Eating Disorders. Advance online publication. 10.1002/eat.24358