Understanding ARFID: Signs, Subtypes, and Support with Marcie & Harley

In this Snack Chats with TLB episode, TLB dietitians Marcie and Harley break down ARFID — Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (often mis-labeled as “picky eating”). They explain what ARFID is (and isn’t), how it commonly shows up across ages, and practical, compassionate ways TLB supports kids, teens, and adults living with it.

What We Cover
What is ARFID? An eating disorder not driven by body image concerns; often rooted in sensory sensitivities, fear/avoidance (e.g., choking, vomiting), or low interest in food.
Three ARFID subtypes: Sensory-based (taste/texture/smell/appearance), Fear-based/avoidance (after choking, vomiting, allergy reactions), Low interest (low appetite/drive; eating feels like a chore)
Note: People can experience a blend of subtypes, and presentation may change over time.
Common signs: Very limited safe foods, anxiety with new foods, difficulty eating in public/social settings, possible weight/growth concerns (kids/teens), micronutrient deficiencies, fatigue.
Overlap with neurodivergence: Higher prevalence alongside autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental differences.
Real-life impacts: School/work cafeterias, travel, family meals, social outings—food touches everything, so validation and accommodations matter.

Getting Help: First Steps
Medical check-in: Vitals, growth charts (for kids/teens), and labs to screen for deficiencies.
Dietitian care (TLB):
Consent-based food exposures tailored to the person
Skills for eating out, travel, meal planning, and nervous-system regulation at meals
Goal: broaden options, reduce anxiety, never removing safe foods or forcing intake
Therapy: ARFID-informed therapy (e.g., CBT-AR) to address anxiety and avoidance.
Occupational Therapy (OT): Sensory processing work (textures, smells, environments) and co-regulation skills.
Support for families/partners: Coaching, groups, and resources to reduce stress and increase success at home.

How TLB Supports
1:1 individualized nutrition therapy for children, teens, and adults
ARFID support groups (teens/young adults & adults) to share lived experience and practical strategies. Find more information about the groups here: https://www.tlbnutritiontherapy.com/s...
Team-based care with therapists, OTs, physicians, and schools to create a cohesive plan

Key Takeaways
ARFID is real, valid, and treatable—not “just picky eating.”
Progress is a marathon, not a sprint; small, consent-led steps are most sustainable.
The goal isn’t to “fix” someone, but to reduce anxiety, expand choices, and improve quality of life.

Connect:
Curious about 1:1 care or groups? Reach out via TLB Nutrition Therapy’s website. Questions and lived-experience stories are welcome in the comments—let’s keep reducing stigma together.
www.tlbnutritiontherapy.com