Tips for Managing ARFID

  • 1. Be Respectful:
    • Avoid pressuring to change their diet or making negative comments about their food choices.
  • 2. Provide Options:
    • Ask what they can eat or offer a variety of foods to choose from, and respect their preferences. Allow them to eat their own food and drink rather than yours if that is their preference.
  • 3. Avoid Judgment:
    • Remember that ARFID is a real medical condition, and it’s fussy eating, a “fad” or a choice.
  • 4. Create a Comfortable Environment:
    • Make meal times relaxed and free from stress or anxiety.
  • 5. Encourage Small Steps:
    • Celebrate achievements, like sniffing a new food or eating a tiny portion of a challenging one.