ARFID and other feeding challenges can be stressful for both you and your child—but you’re not alone. At both Caring Cove and Creative Speech Solutions, LLC, we are here to support you and your child with expert guidance and practical strategies to help you navigate the challenges of ARFID, as well as subclinical picky eating.

Understanding ARFID

ARFID is not simply about being selective with food—it’s a serious eating disorder that can significantly impact a child’s physical health, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Unlike eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, individuals with ARFID do not typically experience body image issues or fear of weight gain. Instead, their refusal to eat is driven by different underlying causes, which can fall into three primary categories:

  • Lack of interest in food
  • Difficulty tolerating certain food textures, temperatures, shapes, or colors
  • Anxiety or fear of choking or vomiting while eating

Children with ARFID often develop a very limited variety of foods in their diet, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Mealtimes can become a source of stress, and families may experience conflict during eating-related activities, whether at home, in school, or in social settings. These children may also require significant accommodations, such as avoiding eating out or using food supplements to make up for missing nutrients.

Diagnosing ARFID

Recognizing when your child needs professional support is crucial. If your child exhibits the following behaviors, it may be time to seek guidance from specialists:

  • A very limited range of accepted foods, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies
  • Anxiety or distress about eating, particularly related to textures, colors, or food temperatures
  • A history of choking or vomiting fears that restricts their food choices
  • Avoidance of social situations involving food, such as school lunches or family gatherings
  • Weight loss or inadequate weight gain due to restricted eating habits

If these symptoms interfere with daily life, professional assessment and intervention can help your child build a healthier relationship with food.  At both Caring Cove or Creative Speech Solutions, LLC, you can see one of our licensed professionals who can assess and diagnose your child to determine the best next steps. 

A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Treatment

Treating ARFID requires a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach. Both Creative Speech Solutions (CSS) and Caring Cove provide expert, evidence-based support for children with ARFID. Our combined teams include psychologists, dietitians, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists who specialize in feeding disorders, ensuring a well-rounded and individualized treatment approach. Each professional plays an essential role in supporting the child and family through the treatment process. Our goals for treatment are as follows:

  • Promote healthy eating patterns
  • Increase the variety of foods consumed
  • Decrease stress at mealtime
  • Manage fears related to eating, such as choking or vomiting

Our Services

At Creative Speech Solutions, LLC, and Caring Cove, our clinicians collaborate to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your child’s eating challenges. CSS offers a variety of therapeutic services, including Oral Motor Speech/Feeding Therapy, Language/AAC Therapy, and Occupational Therapy.

For children with ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), CSS’s Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) begin with a thorough feeding evaluation. This assessment focuses on the sensory and motor aspects of chewing and swallowing to ensure safe eating. The SLPs also evaluate which foods your child is willing to eat and identify specific factors—such as texture, temperature, and appearance—that may influence their willingness to try new foods.

A central part of therapy at both Caring Cove and CSS is gradually introducing new foods in a safe and non-threatening manner. Using evidence-based strategies, we encourage children to explore new textures and flavors. By fostering a playful, supportive environment, we help children become more open to trying new foods, reducing anxiety and expanding their food preferences over time.

In addition to individual therapy, Caring Cove offers evidence-based group and individual therapy for caregivers using SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). Our clinicians coach parents on how to manage their child’s anxiety and ARFID symptoms, guiding them on how to respond supportively while minimizing accommodations that might reinforce picky eating behaviors.

We recognize that ARFID impacts not only the child but the entire family. That’s why we prioritize family education and provide practical strategies that can be applied at home. By creating a supportive home environment, families can help children develop healthier relationships with food, promoting growth and progress.

At CSS and Caring Cove, we are dedicated to supporting both the child and their family every step of the way. Together, we can navigate the challenges of ARFID and empower children to develop a positive, fulfilling relationship with food.

For more information about services at Caring Cove, you can call 973-370-9944 or visit www.caringcove.com.

For more information about services at Creative Speech Solutions, LLC, you can call (908) 598-0228 or visit www.creativespeechsolutions.com.