As parents the world over will confirm, food can be an emotive issue and the source of considerable friction within families. This is particularly so for children with Special Educational Needs (“SEN”) especially autistic children, and many families will be all to familiar with the battle to to get their children to eat beyond the beige. However, for some children difficulties with food can be so significant that they amount to an eating disorder. One which is becoming increasingly recognised and recognised as disproportionately affecting neurodivergent children, is Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (“ARFID”).
ARFID is characterised by a persistent disturbance in eating that leads to significant nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, or dependence on supplements. Crucially, it is not the result of concerns (real or imagined) about body image, but instead by extreme sensory sensitivities, fear of negative consequences of eating and/or lack of any interest in food. It was only officially recognised as a distinct condition in 2013 and is thought to affect up to around 15% of children and adolescents, a figure that is affected by how it presents and is diagnosed.
Typically, healthcare professionals such as paediatricians, child and adolescent psychiatrists, or dietitians will be responsible for making a diagnosis of ARFID, and it will involve an extensive assessment of a child’s eating habits, medical history and any psychological issues. Relevant criteria include significant weight loss, nutritional deficiency and marked interference with psychosocial functioning.
Unsurprisingly, children with ARFID may face several challenges in the school environment, including:
Fatigue, poor concentration, and delayed growth resulting from nutritional deficiencies.
Difficulty participating in social activities involving food, such as school lunches or parties, leading to social isolation
High levels of anxiety around mealtimes and the fear of eating any or any unfamiliar foods
Reduced cognitive function and academic performance caused by a lack of food and/or nutrients
It can be difficult for parents and schools to know how to support children with ARFID, but examples include:
Tailored healthcare plans that outline specific dietary needs and emergency procedures
Adjustments and accommodations to when and what food can be eaten, including relaxing or disapplying prohibitions on the types of food allowed and eating during lessons
Providing a quiet, stress-free environment for eating such as a classroom rather than the canteen
It goes without saying that ll teachers and staff should of course be trained to understand ARFID and to provide appropriate support.
If your child or young person struggles with food and/or has a diagnosis of ARFID, SEND Advocacy can support you to ensure that their needs are appropriately identifed and met. If you need someone in your corner to help you secure the education your child or young person deserves, contact us today.
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