ARFID Awareness UK

ARFID Awareness UK are dedicated to raising awareness and furthering information about avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. They work to provide individuals, parents, carers, and medical professionals with up-to-date relevant information, research, and support. Their website features information, resources, online communities, and a monthly newsletter.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is characterised by a pattern of eating that avoids certain foods or food groups entirely and/or is restricted in quantity. Avoidant and restrictive eating is not due to lack of available food, or cultural norms (e.g. someone who is fasting or chooses not to eat certain foods for religious or cultural reasons alone).

Potential ARFID risk factors:

• People with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are more likely to develop ARFID, as are those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD, or learning disabilities.
• Children who don’t outgrow normal picky eating, or in whom picky eating is severe, appear to be more likely to develop ARFID.
• Many children with ARFID also have a co-occurring anxiety disorder, and they are also at high risk for other psychiatric disorders.

ARFID Awareness UK is a registered charity (no. 1185468).