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What is ARFID
ARFID stands for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It is a common eating problem in children and one of the newest recognized diagnoses in mental health. Unlike eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, which center on body image distortion and weight concerns, ARFID is characterized by restrictive eating patterns driven by sensory sensitivities, specific fears (such as choking), or diminished appetite. For example, children with ARFID may eat only a limited number of foods, avoid solid textures due to choking fears, or rigidly adhere to specific food brands, colors, or temperatures. ARFID can have physical consequences—including growth delays, nutritional deficiencies, and reduced energy—and psychological impacts such as social isolation and educational difficulties. Parents often struggle with daily battles around mealtimes, frequent medical consultations, persistent worry about their child's health and development, and endless accommodations of the child's eating restrictions.
What is SPACE-ARFID
SPACE-ARFID is a version of SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) adapted for the treatment of ARFID, or picky eating. Parents in SPACE-ARFID learn skills and tools to help improve their child's eating flexibility, reduce food-related stress and improve overall functioning. Treatment focuses on changes parents make to their behavior - they do not need to 'make their child eat'.
Clinical research indicates SPACE-ARFID can be effective working entirely through parents, without any direct participation by the child. For children who are open to collaborating, SPACE-ARFID also includes activities parents can do together with the child, to promote flexibility in fun creative ways.
Find a SPACE-ARFID Therapist
To find therapist who trained in SPACE-ARFID to help with your child's picky eating, visit the SPACE Providers page and click the checkbox to filter results for Trained in SPACE for ARFID.
Training for Therapists
At this time, therapist training in SPACE-ARFID is only offered to providers who have already completed the fundamental (2 day) SPACE training workshop. If you are interested in attending a fundamental workshop, visit the Training for Therapists page.
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