ARFID Dietitian: Support for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
ARFID is more than picky eating. As ARFID dietitians, we help children, teens, and adults eat enough, feel safer around food, and slowly add variety without pressure or power struggles. We offer ARFID treatment in person in Austin and Round Rock, TX, and virtually across 17 states.
What Is ARFID?
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder in which a person eats too little or too narrow a range of foods, leading to low energy intake, nutritional deficiencies, dependence on supplements, or problems at school, work, or socially. Unlike anorexia, ARFID is not driven by concerns about body shape or weight.
ARFID can begin in childhood or later in life, and it often occurs alongside autism, ADHD, anxiety, or sensory processing differences. Our dietitians have experience supporting neurodivergent clients and adapt care to each person’s sensory needs.
Three Common ARFID Presentations
Most people with ARFID have one or more of these drivers:
- sensory sensitivity to the taste, texture, smell, or appearance of food
- fear of aversive consequences such as choking, vomiting, or pain
- low interest in eating or a small appetite
Knowing the driver helps us choose the right strategies.
Signs and Symptoms of ARFID
- Eating a very limited list of accepted foods
- Strong reactions to new foods, textures, or smells
- Fear of choking, gagging, or vomiting when eating
- Forgetting to eat or feeling full after a few bites
- Dropping foods that were once accepted (“food jags”)
- Slow growth, weight changes, or low energy
- Relying on nutrition drinks or supplements
- Avoiding parties, restaurants, or school lunch
Picky eating that causes distress, health concerns, or gets in the way of daily life is worth looking into.
How Our ARFID Dietitians Help
ARFID treatment works best when it is gradual, predictable, and led by the person’s own pace. We use a non-diet, pressure-free approach grounded in exposure-based and family-supported care.
Meeting Nutrition Needs First
We start with foods you already accept to make sure your body is getting enough energy and nutrients.
Food Chaining and Gentle Exposure
We build from familiar foods to similar new ones in small, manageable steps, so variety grows without overwhelm.
Sensory-aware Care
For autistic and sensory-sensitive clients, we respect sensory needs and adjust strategies instead of forcing change.
Parent and Caregiver Coaching
We help families lower mealtime stress, reduce pressure, and support their child’s progress at home.
What To Expect When You Work With Us
01
Schedule an Appointment
Call us or use our contact form to book your first session. We’ll confirm your state, availability, and insurance details.
02
Initial Assessment
We learn about your history with food, your medical picture, your goals, and what support looks like at home.
03
Ongoing Sessions
Regular appointments, often weekly at first, to build nutrition, work through challenges, and track progress.
04
Team Collaboration
With your permission, we stay in touch with your therapist, doctor, and psychiatrist so everyone works from the same plan.
Care that fits your life
Virtual or In-person ARFID Support
Virtual ARFID Support in 17 States
Secure video sessions for clients in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
In-person ARFID Support in Central Texas
Frequently Asked Questions About ARFID
What is the difference between ARFID and picky eating?
Picky eating is common and usually doesn’t affect growth, health, or daily life. ARFID is diagnosed when food avoidance leads to weight or growth concerns, nutrient deficiencies, reliance on supplements, or significant distress or disruption to daily life.
Do you treat ARFID in adults?
Yes. ARFID is often thought of as a childhood condition, but many adults live with it. We work with clients of all ages.
Can ARFID be treated virtually?
Yes. Virtual sessions work well for ARFID because we can see your kitchen, your accepted foods, and your real mealtime routine. We offer virtual sessions in 17 states and in-person sessions in Austin and Round Rock, Texas.
How long does ARFID treatment take?
It varies. Some clients see progress within a few months, while others benefit from longer support. We move at a pace that feels safe and adjust as we go.
Does your ARFID dietitian work with autistic clients?
Yes. Our dietitians have experience with neurodivergent clients, including autistic people and people with ADHD, and we adapt care to sensory and communication needs.
Ready to talk with an ARFID Dietitian?
You don’t have to have it all figured out. Schedule an appointment and we’ll help you take the next step.