Autism and ARFID Eating Clinic
We offer neuro-affirming support to improve nutrition, build confidence around food, reduce the impact ARFID has on daily life, and support greater comfort and flexibility with eating.
Appointments are available in person or via Telehealth Australia-wide.
Not sure if you or your child may have ARFID?
Book one of our screening and assessment appointments (available in person or via Telehealth), where we undertake a range of assessments and provide you with more information on your presentation and options for future support.
Already an NDIS participant and have ARFID, or think you may have ARFID?
You may be able to access dietetic support through your NDIS plan. If you’re unsure check with your plan manager or support coordinator. We can also provide assessment and documentation where appropriate to help identify nutrition-related support needs.
What is Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder that can make it extremely difficult for someone to eat enough food or a wide enough variety of foods. Unlike anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, ARFID is not driven by concerns about weight or body shape, or a desire to lose weight.
ARFID and autism …
ARFID and autism frequently occur together. Research has found substantially higher rates of autism among people with ARFID than would be expected in the general population.
In many autistic and neurodivergent people, food avoidance may be closely linked to sensory differences, a strong preference for familiarity and predictability, or feeling overwhelmed by the smell, taste, texture, temperature or appearance of certain foods. ARFID is much more than “picky eating”—it is a recognised eating disorder that can significantly affect nutrition, growth, health and everyday life.
People with ARFID are often misunderstood …
People with ARFID are often misunderstood. Family, friends and even healthcare professionals may assume that someone is simply fussy, stubborn or choosing not to eat. In reality, many people with ARFID would like to eat a wider variety of foods but find doing so genuinely difficult, uncomfortable or distressing.
ARFID can affect much more than food itself. School, work, family meals, social occasions and travel can become challenging. A very restricted range or amount of food may also contribute to nutritional deficiencies, difficulties with growth or changes in weight. Anxiety around eating and feelings of embarrassment or isolation can have a significant impact on everyday life.
Neuro-affirming support for ARFID
Support for ARFID should be individualised and neuro-affirming. Rather than forcing foods or expecting rapid change, we work with each person to understand the factors affecting their eating and develop achievable goals at a pace they can manage.
Support may focus on improving nutritional adequacy, reducing distress and anxiety around food, understanding sensory and interoceptive differences, and developing practical strategies that make eating and mealtimes more manageable. Where appropriate, we can also support the gradual exploration of new or less familiar foods.
The goal is not to make someone eat “normally”, but to support adequate nutrition, health and participation while respecting the individual’s needs, preferences and neurodivergence.
