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Picky Eating and Restrictive Eating in Children
Everyone has foods they prefer and foods they avoid, that's normal. Many young children go through a phase of picky eating, and most outgrow it on their own. But for some children, restrictive eating is more persistent and severe. It can impair growth, cause nutritional deficiencies, and take a real toll on a child's mood, social life, and school functioning. When restriction causes this kind of significant interference, it may meet criteria for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Picky eaters may restrict their eating because of sensory sensitivities, fears such as choking, or low interest in food. And whether or not a child meets full criteria for ARFID, restrictive eating can create daily stress for the whole family: battles at mealtimes, constant worry, and endless accommodations of the child's food rules.
What is SPACE-ARFID
SPACE-ARFID is an adaptation of SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) for children with picky or restrictive eating, including ARFID. Parents learn practical tools to promote their child's flexibility around food, reduce mealtime stress, and improve overall functioning. The treatment focuses on changes parents make to their own responses and parents are never asked to "make their child eat."
Clinical research indicates SPACE-ARFID can be effective working entirely through parents, and for children who are open to it, the approach also includes fun, creative activities parents and children can do together.
Find a SPACE-ARFID Therapist
To find a therapist trained in SPACE-ARFID, visit the SPACE Providers page and filter results for "Trained in SPACE for ARFID."
Training for Therapists
Training in SPACE-ARFID is currently 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.
The Book
Breaking Free of Picky Eating walks you through understanding your child's restrictive eating and provides a clear, step-by-step plan for helping your child become more flexible and comfortable around food.
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