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    • ARFID, extremely selective food for children
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    ARFID, extremely selective food for children

    Pabio Posted on

    Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a condition that affects a child’s health ability to eat normally, a recent Cardiff University study reported.

    ARFID is characterized by an extremely selective diet, where children avoid certain foodsleading to development challenges. Affected individuals may experience problems such as low body weight and stunted growth.

    The study highlighted that children with ARFID often focus on only one type of food and may experience real fear about eating, which impacts their daily life and functional abilities.

    Additionally, ARFID can cause social challenges, with children experiencing difficulties such as anxiety eating in public places, such as at school, making it difficult to establish friendships.

    ARFID processing

    For ARFID, treatment includes gradual exposure to “fear foods,” creating a safe environment in which the child is encouraged to try new things. This may also include therapy to help the child develop calming techniques to manage food-related anxiety.

    Children (credit: INGIMAGE)

    The study found that a common mistake parents make when trying to help their child with a disorder is using pressure or rewards to encourage children to try new foods. This method can increase a child’s fear of food, thereby intensifying symptoms.

    Instead, a more helpful strategy is to maintain a positive attitude without pressure, allowing the child to feel safe and reducing stress.



    Pabio
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