Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Support

Do You Need An ARFID Assessment?

It can be hard to know when selective eating has moved beyond a phase, especially if you've already tried encouragement, routines, or reward systems.

An assessment may be helpful if your child:

• Eats a very limited range of foods, often linked to texture, taste, smell, appearance, or a fear response
• Avoid food after a difficult experience such as choking or vomiting
• Seems to have a very low appetite or little interest in eating
• Becomes distressed, anxious, or overwhelmed around unfamiliar foods
• Is struggling to maintain weight or growth, or shows signs of nutritional gaps
• Relies on supplements or nutritional drinks to get through the day
• Finds meals affect school, friendships, family life, or social events

It is worth noting that ARFID is not driven by body weight or shape concerns, and so is not associated with Anorexia Nervosa. ARFID can involve food restriction linked to appetite, anxiety, or food texture sensitivity and other sensory factors.

How We Can Help

Our ARFID service is designed to help give you clarity on what may be causing your child's eating challenges and what support is most appropriate next.

Depending on your child's needs, support may include:

• Assessment for ARFID diagnosis and related concerns
• Ongoing monitoring of nutrition, growth, and day-to-day impact
• A structured, child-friendly plan to reduce food restriction safely over time
• Parent support and guidance, so you're not managing this alone
• Co-ordinated input from clinicians such as a CAMHS consultant and paediatric dietitians where appropriate

Your first appointment may take up to one hour. In that time, our diet experts will have the chance to get a good feel of your child’s diet and any potential feeding issues, so they can offer you advice and guidance on the next steps you need to take. We’ll also send you a letter summarising what happened during your appointment, so you can keep track of your child’s nutritional treatment and progress. 

Prices

Any investigations or treatment recommendations made during your consultation may involve additional costs, which will be discussed with you clearly before anything is arranged.

We are also recognised by a number of major health insurers. If you intend to use private medical insurance, please contact us ahead of your appointment to confirm your cover.

A Tailored Plan, Step By Step

You will not be rushed, and we will take the time to understand how eating is affecting your child's health and your family life.

Your child's appointment may include:

• A detailed eating and development history, including ARFID symptoms and patterns of avoidance
• Exploration of possible ARFID causes and maintaining factors, such as anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or past negative experiences
• Review of growth, energy levels, and daily functioning
• Consideration of whether medical factors could be contributing to appetite or eating discomfort
• A clear explanation of findings and a plan, which may include nutritional monitoring and therapy options such as CBT-informed support for ARFID, where suitable

Clinical Team And Expertise

The wider children's mental health and dietetic team you see at Midland Health may include:

• Dr Modupe Imasogie: Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
• Dr Minnie Joseph: Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
• Lucy Upton: Paediatric Dietitian
• Joanne Scott: Paediatric Dietitian
• Leanne Leary: CBT/EMDR Practitioner
• Raj Bassi: CBT Therapist

Is This The Right Service For Your Child?

This service can be a good fit if you're seeing persistent selective eating that is affecting nutrition, growth, energy, or everyday life, and you want specialist support.

It may be especially relevant if eating difficulties sit alongside anxiety, autism-related sensory needs, or a strong fear response around food, as these can overlap with a food sensory disorder and patterns of avoidance.

What To Expect From Your Child's Appointment

We will listen carefully to both you and your child, and during the appointment, we may:

• Ask about foods your child can eat, foods avoided, and what happens at mealtimes
• Discuss sensory triggers, anxiety, routines, and any previous support tried
• Review height and weight where appropriate, and talk through any concerns about nutrition
• Agree next steps with you, including whether dietetic input or therapy support is recommended

Helpful things to bring

• A simple 3 to 7 day food diary, including drinks and supplements
• Any recent growth measurements or relevant letters
• A list of current medications and supplements

If a follow-up is appropriate, we will agree a plan that feels manageable, with clear goals and review points.

Follow-up support may include:

• Monitoring of progress and nutrition over time
• Adjusting strategies based on what your child can tolerate
• Co-ordinating care across relevant clinicians
• Written summary

Why Families Choose Midland Health

You should be able to access specialist help without unnecessary barriers, especially when eating problems are affecting daily life.

With Midland Health, you have:

• No GP referral required
• No waiting lists, with same-day or next-day appointments where available
• A private clinic in Birmingham, based at our Francis Road clinic
• A team used to supporting children and parents with sensitive, complex concerns
• Clear pricing and a pay-as-you-go approach

Our Clinic

Appointments for this service are held at our Francis Road Clinic in Edgbaston, Birmingham.

The clinic is easy to reach from across Birmingham and the wider Midlands, with public transport links via Five Ways and parking options nearby.

Next Steps And Booking

If you would like support from ARFID specialists, our team can help you choose the right appointment type for your child.

To enquire, call our team on 0121 769 0999 or fill in our enquiry form.

FAQs