ARFID and eating difficulties linked to neurodivergence
What is ARFID?
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterised by restricted eating that is not driven by body image concerns.
What is ARFID?
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterised by restricted eating that is not driven by body image concerns.
Individuals may avoid food due to:
- Sensory sensitivities
- Fear of choking or vomiting
- Low appetite or lack of interest in food
- Negative experiences related to eating
ARFID is common in neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism or sensory processing differences.
How ARFID differs from anorexia
Unlike anorexia, ARFID is not driven by fear of weight gain. Restriction may be linked to:
- Texture or smell sensitivity
- Interoceptive differences
- Anxiety-based avoidance
- Traumatic feeding experiences
Without understanding these factors, treatment can become distressing and counterproductive.
Physical health impact
ARFID can result in:
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Weight loss or growth concerns
- Fatigue
- Reduced concentration
- Increased anxiety around meals
Medical monitoring is essential, particularly where intake has been significantly restricted.
Our integrated approach
Ellern Mede provides multidisciplinary, autism-informed care for ARFID and complex eating difficulties.
Our approach includes:
- Consultant psychiatric and medical oversight
- Specialist dietetic input
- Occupational therapy addressing sensory processing
- Gradual exposure and desensitisation
- Family coaching
- Structured but flexible meal planning
Across our services, we offer different levels of support across our ward environments. This enables individuals to move through treatment pathways as their health stabilises and independence increases.
We focus on reducing anxiety, building trust, and restoring positive relationships with food.
Enquiries and Referrals
If you are concerned about eating difficulties described above, whether as an individual, family member, or professional, our team can provide guidance on assessment and referral pathways.
We welcome enquiries from families, clinicians, commissioners, and international referrers.
Please contact our referrals team to discuss suitability and next steps.
Make a referral
Ellern Mede provides specialist inpatient mental health care for children (aged 8+), adolescents and adults with complex presentations, including eating disorders, trauma-related difficulties, emotional dysregulation, neurodivergence and overlapping mental health needs.
We accept referrals from NHS commissioners and international health authorities, and welcome private enquiries via self-funding or medical insurance.
All referrals are subject to clinical review to assess suitability, level of risk and therapeutic fit.