Understanding ARFID and Getting Help

ARFID Resources for Teens in Texas

When it comes to treating Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and other eating disorders, recovery takes more than one provider. Because eating disorders impact both the body and mind, having an interdisciplinary team — including a psychiatrist, dietitian, and therapist — is essential for lasting healing.

Why You Need All Three Specialists in Eating Disorder Treatment

1. Psychiatrist – Stabilizing the Brain and Emotions
   A psychiatrist helps assess and manage the biological and neurological aspects of eating disorders. Many patients with ARFID experience anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or obsessive-compulsive features that may benefit from medication support. Psychiatrists monitor safety, medical risks, and mood stabilization to support the therapeutic process.

2. Dietitian – Rebuilding a Healthy Relationship with Food
   Registered dietitians trained in eating disorders guide patients through exposure work, meal planning, and nutrition rehabilitation. They help reduce fear around food, normalize hunger cues, and create safe reintroduction plans for previously avoided foods.

3. Therapist – Addressing the Root and Rewiring Behaviors
   Therapists trained in CBT-E (Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) or trauma-informed care address emotional regulation, anxiety, and distorted thought patterns. They help the patient (and family) develop coping skills, body awareness, and confidence around meals and emotions.

Together, this triad creates a holistic support system that treats the medical, nutritional, and psychological aspects of recovery.

Five Common Eating-Disordered Behaviors in ARFID

• Extreme fear of choking or vomiting when eating certain foods

• Avoiding foods based on color, smell, or texture

• Consuming an extremely limited number of foods (often fewer than 10–15)

• Refusing social events involving food or avoiding family meals

• Significant weight loss or growth delays without body image concerns

Coaching Steps for Parents at Mealtime and Treatment

• Model calm confidence — Your child mirrors your tone. Stay neutral, not anxious, at meals.

• Use gentle exposure — Encourage one small change at a time rather than forcing large bites or new foods.

• Praise effort, not volume — Focus on bravery and trying rather than “cleaning the plate.”

• Stay consistent with structure — Offer meals and snacks at predictable times to reduce anxiety.

• Partner with the treatment team — Attend parent sessions, provide updates, and reinforce strategies used in therapy and nutrition sessions.

The Difference Between ARFID, Anorexia, and Picky Eating

• ARFID vs. Anorexia:
  ARFID is not driven by body image concerns or a desire to lose weight. Instead, it’s often linked to sensory sensitivities, fear of vomiting or choking, or a lack of interest in food. In contrast, anorexia nervosa involves distorted body image and intentional food restriction for weight loss.

• ARFID vs. Picky Eating:
  While picky eating is common in childhood, it usually doesn’t cause nutritional deficiencies, anxiety, or social impairment. ARFID leads to significant medical, emotional, or developmental impacts and requires clinical intervention.

Talking to Your Pediatrician About Labs and Growth Charts

• Ask for a growth chart review to assess whether your child’s weight or height has dropped percentiles.

• Request labs such as CBC, CMP, iron panel, thyroid, Vitamin D, and electrolytes to check for deficiencies.

• If your child is medically stable but struggling with eating behaviors, discuss referrals for IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) or PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) for eating disorders.

• Bring a written list of concerns, including food avoidance, weight changes, and anxiety around meals, to guide the discussion clearly.

Free Parent Resources for ARFID and CBT-E

• ARFID Parent & Family Workbook (Kelty Eating Disorders):
  A free, downloadable workbook designed for parents and caregivers to understand and support a child with ARFID using CBT-based strategies.
  👉 https://keltyeatingdisorders.ca/resource/arfid-workbook

• A Parent’s Guide to ARFID (First Steps ED):
  A clear, compassionate guide that helps families recognize ARFID symptoms, navigate mealtimes, and find treatment options.
  👉 https://firststepsed.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/A-Parents-Guide-to-ARFID.pdf

• CBT-E Self-Help and Resources:
  Developed by the creators of CBT-E, this site offers free guidance, clinician tools, and reading materials for families and patients learning CBT-E principles.
  👉 https://www.cbte.co

Medical Complications and Higher Levels of Care

Eating disorders can lead to serious health issues, including heart irregularities, fainting, malnutrition, and growth suppression. For more information:

• Medical Complications of Eating Disorders: National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

• Finding Higher Level of Care: Eating Recovery Center Locations

Healing Is Possible — Let’s Start the Conversation

If your teen is struggling with ARFID or another eating disorder, early intervention is key. Shannon Mosher, an eating disorder therapist in Kingwood, Texas, offers online therapy for ages 13 and older and collaborates with psychiatrists and dietitians to ensure a full continuum of care.

➡️ Text Shannon at (832) 543-3002 or email info@inneractnow.com to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward recovery today.