Picky-Eating: The Border Between Childhood Phase and Detrimental Disorder
When does picky eating lead to something more serious, and how can we recognize it? It is a common trait among children to have rejected healthy, nutritious vegetables in favor of nutrient-dense frozen chicken nuggets.
Many parents are familiar with this as the “picky eater” stage which is a natural protective mechanism from new and unfamiliar foods. This part of childhood is widely understood as an inherent aspect of growing up.
However, when does it become too much to the point where it affects your child’s health and development? In this post, we will explore the distinctions between unalarming aspects of picky eating and a feeding disorder called ARFID.
What is ARFID?
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a feeding disorder during early childhood that, unlike other eating disorders, doesn’t focus on fear of weight or body shape. Instead, it is motivated by a “lack of interest in eating or food, sensory sensitivity and/or a fear of aversive consequences” such as choking or vomiting. Research has found that 0.5-5% of children and adults have ARFID and struggle with it.
What are the symptoms that may be a result of ARFID?
Concerned whether your child’s picky eating is more than just a childhood standard? Here is a list of a few symptoms for diagnosing those with ARFID:
- Dependence on enteral feeding or oral nutritional supplements
- No evidence of concerns about weight gain or loss
- Vomiting or gagging around certain foods
- Concerns about texture, color, taste, or smell due to sensory issues
- Marked interference with psychosocial functioning
- Rapid weight loss
- Significant nutritional deficiency
Differences between normal picky eating and ARFID
Treatment Options for those with ARFID
Does your child check off more than a few of the symptoms listed? Don’t be anxious just yet! It may be beneficial to speak with an appropriate healthcare professional to determine possible next steps.
Additionally, certain treatment options could help your child embrace food and healthy nutrition:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Family-based therapy
- Nutrition therapy with a dietitian
- Occupational therapy
- Exposure therapy for food fears
Conclusion
What may seem like a normal childhood phase can quickly turn into something more serious. It is, therefore, important to observe how your child is eating every day and what foods they may avoid and why.
Additionally, simply dismissing it as picky eating will eventually raise alarming concerns later on in their future. Pointing it out during their childhood protects them from any more nutritionless harm in their life.