ARFID, a term created in 2013, is an acronym of “Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder”. ARFID children will experience issues with food choices, often exhibiting fears of specific foods, displaying a reluctance to eat, or anxiety directly linked to eating.
There is limited research on the prevalence of ARFID; studies have suggested that between 0.5%-5% of children and adults in the general population are affected.
ARFID tends to begin at a young age. There is no known specific cause. Some experts have concluded that a variety of factors can be responsible, such as personality, genes and a fear of specific events, such as choking.
Some regular ARFID experiences may include:
- A tendency towards sensory avoidance, displaying an adverse response to the smell, flavour or texture of certain foods
- A phobia of eating specific foods, anticipating pain, choking or vomiting
- A general lack of hunger and interest in food
How Could Food Issues Affect my Child in School?
Disordered eating can impact on a child’s cognition, causing challenges with processing, decreased concentration, work completion and attendance.
If you are a parent or carer of a child with ARFID, you may have sensed something that you can’t quite put your finger on; more fastidious eating choices or a dislike of certain foods, increased tiredness or a changed disposition.
With an awareness of “food” times during the school day, tension may mount for a child with food anxieties. Will people ask questions: Why are you eating that lunch again? Why are you taking so long to eat? Why don’t you eat something different?
Helen, who lives in North London, is mum to Emily, now 31. When Emily was 9, it transpired she had developed ARFID. Emily reflects, explaining, “The main fear wasn’t of the food itself, it was the thought that if I ate, I was going the be sick. It completely affected my school and social life. I missed quite a lot of school at the time.”
In addition, ARFID children may particularly struggle to eat in school due to uncertainty: What if they can’t access rice today, which might be their safe “go to” food? School may no longer be seen as a safe place to eat.
Helen recounts the arrangements that were made for Emily in school: “The Head suggested that I came up to school at lunch time so Emily could sit in the car with me and eat lunch.”
A child can become quite withdrawn, as a lack of vitamins and minerals become evident. They might retract from social groups or spend more time at home, not wishing to mix with friends. Emily remembers, “I became reclusive, not wanting to leave home or eat at anyone’s house.”
What Steps can I Take to Help My Child’s Journey In School?
Fortunately, we are now in a culture where the narrative is becoming more inclusive. With many subjects less taboo, whilst we may not always be on exactly the same page, it is easier to start a conversation about disordered eating.
Sharing more memories, Helen explains, “When I first phoned the GP I can remember breaking down, saying she was going to starve herself, and the doctor didn’t take it seriously. We then took her privately to see a psychologist who specialised in eating disorders.”
Emily recounts her school journey: “We don’t remember there being a SENCO. We only dealt with the Headmistress. She was very nice and understanding and said I could talk to her at any time.”
The main issue in the past was that there was less awareness of the condition. Today, if a teacher or SENCO is approached about a child in school facing eating issues, they should have an understanding of ARFID, and with that knowledge it will be their instinct as protectors to help, by making adaptations to a child’s day to ensure food issues are minimised.
- The following steps in school can make a significant difference to a child’s learning and social experience:
- Continual open communication with the family and external agencies (if involved).
- Reduced focus on the child’s eating
- A subtle discouragement of other children’s interest in the child’s eating
- The elimination of criticism related to food choices
- Discreetly observing the child at mealtimes
- A show of empathy
- Assurance of a trusted mentor in school
- An arrangement of somewhere for the child to eat privately if they wish
- Ensuring a child has access to their preferred foods
- Gentle praise for doing well
- Fostering a good level of understanding of ARFID amongst all staff
- Supporting the family ahead of food-related activities in school
It is important that a parent feels supported by their child’s school, knowing there are measures in place to move things forward.
Aside from seeking help from school, a visit to the GP would be essential, to air concerns whilst allowing a professional to decide the next steps.
A child may then be referred to a paediatrician or psychologist who will examine their situation further. Other agencies may also be enlisted to support a child. As every child’s ARFID is unique, all relevant parties will create a plan tailored to address the child’s journey.
One final memory Emily shares about her recovery up to the present day is encouraging: “The psychologist got me eating tiny amounts of food, and from that I built it up……as I have matured and got older I can rationalise my thoughts better.”
There are many helplines, services and avenues available online where families can reach out for support. It is important that parents have a place to go where they can have questions answered. Alternatively, they may just want to talk about their situation.
Once a plan is in place, a family will feel more like they can see light at the end of the tunnel.
Please note: The information provided within this blog, by SENsational Tutors, is for general information purposes only. We appreciate that every person is unique and any advice/experiences mentioned within the content of each blog may not be reflective of your own personal experience. All information on the site is provided in good faith and is for educational informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with appropriate professionals
