ARFID

Question 1

RATES of ARFID

Answer 1

Current research recognizes that autism is seen in those with ARFID at higher rates than the general population rate of 1.5%. Estimates of co-occurring ARFID and ASD range from 12.5% all the way up to 33.3% (Harris et al., 2019; Inouye 2021)

Question 2

ARFID AND ASD

Answer 2

One area in which there is an outwardly observable connection between ASD and ARFID presentations is sensory experiences. The sensory difficulties often experienced by individuals with autism and the sensory sensitivities found in many individuals with ARFID have strong parallels. Recent research has shown that children with autism display higher oral sensitivity, especially oral over-sensitivity, than children without autism (Chistol, 2018). This oral over sensitivity is also often seen in ARFID, where certain types and textures of food may feel disgusting, anxiety producing, or frightening to eat, due to their oral sensation (Harris et. al, 2019). Furthermore, some researchers hypothesize that ARFID patients with sensory sensitivity are not just “over-sensitive” to certain tastes, but that their taste perception is actually more intense—a mild tasting drink to you could taste very strong to someone with ARFID, not just “unfamiliar”. (Thomas et al., 2017).

Question 3

food dudes study

Answer 3

2005 by Professor Fergus Lowe and Dr. Pauline Horne

Overview of the Food Dudes Study
The Food Dudes program is an evidence-based intervention designed to encourage children to eat more fruits and vegetables by combining role modeling, rewards, and repeated exposure to healthy foods. It uses a fun, story-based approach featuring animated characters called the Food Dudes, who model positive eating behaviors and encourage children to try new foods.

Key Components of the Food Dudes Program
Role Modeling Through Characters:

The program features a group of cartoon superheroes (the Food Dudes) who fight “Junk Punks,” villains trying to destroy healthy eating habits.
The characters are shown enjoying fruits and vegetables, reinforcing the idea that eating these foods is fun, cool, and heroic.
Rewards System:

Children are given small rewards (like stickers or toys) for eating fruits and vegetables during the program.
Rewards act as positive reinforcement for trying and consuming healthy foods.
Repeated Exposure:

The program provides frequent opportunities for children to taste fruits and vegetables, as repeated exposure to unfamiliar foods increases the likelihood of acceptance.
Social Norming:

By showing peers and characters enjoying healthy foods, the program builds a sense of social acceptance and normalizes eating fruits and vegetables

Question 4

what is ARFID

Answer 4

ARFID is defined by limited volume or variety of food intake motivated by sensory sensitivity, fear of aversive consequences, or lack of interest in food or eating; and associated with medical, nutritional, and/or psychosocial impairment. It appears to be as common as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa and can occur in individuals of all ages. ARFID is heterogeneous in presentation and may require both medical and psychological management.

Question 5

causes

Answer 5

1. Sensory Sensitivities
   Individuals with ARFID may experience extreme sensitivity to the taste, texture, smell, or appearance of certain foods, leading to avoidance of these foods (Zucker et al., 2015).

This is common in children with sensory processing difficulties or neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Harris 2019)

2. Traumatic Feeding Experiences
   A history of choking, vomiting, or severe gastrointestinal distress during meals can lead to food avoidance due to anxiety about similar experiences.

Comorbid Mental Health Conditions
ARFID is often associated with anxiety disorders, particularly generalized anxiety or phobias

It can also co-occur with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where intrusive thoughts about contamination or food safety drive avoidance.

4. Developmental Factors
   Children with feeding delays or early picky eating behaviors may be at higher risk for ARFID if these difficulties persist and intensify over time

Parental behaviors, such as over-accommodation or enabling avoidance behaviors, may reinforce ARFID symptoms (Nicely et al., 2014).
A limited variety of foods at home during childhood may also exacerbate restrictive eating patterns

Question 6

consequences

Answer 6

Nutritional Deficiencies
ARFID often leads to malnutrition or deficiencies in key nutrients such as iron, calcium, zinc, or vitamin D, depending on the restricted food types (Norris et al., 2016).
Severe cases can result in weight loss, stunted growth in children, and conditions such as anemia or osteopenia.

2. Gastrointestinal Issues
   Limited dietary variety can disrupt gut microbiota and lead to digestive problems such as constipation or bloating
3. Impaired Growth and Development
   In children and adolescents, ARFID can cause growth faltering and delayed puberty due to inadequate caloric and nutrient intake.
4. Social Isolation and Functional Impairment
   ARFID significantly affects social functioning, as individuals may avoid eating in social situations, such as at school, restaurants, or family gatherings, leading to social isolation
   Avoidance behaviors can interfere with daily activities and relationships, contributing to emotional distress.
5. Psychological Distress
   Individuals with ARFID often report high levels of anxiety, low self-esteem, and shame about their eating behaviors (Kinnaird et al., 2019).

ARFID can also exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions, such as depression or OCD (Thomas et al., 2017).