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Did you know that around 80% of people with ASC (Autism Spectrum Condition) have eating difficulties? This is usually to do with sensitivity to the sensory experience of food. However, not every eating difficulty meets the criteria for ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). It’s important to know what to look out for, and to reach out to health professionals, to make sure young people with ASC and/or ARFID receive the right support for them. Read on to find out more about Autism, ARFID and eating difficulties.
Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, more commonly known as ARFID, is a condition characterised by the person avoiding certain foods or types of food, having restricted intake in terms of overall amount eaten, or both. For more in-depth information on ARFID, visit our module or read our latest resource on supporting those with ARFID.
The eating patterns of autistic people with ARFID and those who have ARFID alone are similar for many reasons including:
However, for autistic people (both children and adults) these issues can be more difficult to manage and treat. This is due to the additional difficulties and differences autistic people face day-to-day including:
A neurotypical person might see only eating certain food groups as “picky eating” but for an autistic person they may actually be attuned eating. In this way, they are responding to the body’s sensory needs, eating foods that feel safe and nourishing.
It is also important to be mindful of when an autistic person may be eating certain foods or tolerating sensory experiences to please others and fit in, when they are actually deeply uncomfortable and anxious.
Recognising the nuances of ARFID and ASC, and employing tailored strategies, ensures that those affected receive the right support to navigate their unique journey towards a more positive relationship with food.
For more information, check out our module covering eating difficulties and ARFID, and read our latest resource on supporting those with ARFID.
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