Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Understanding ARFID: Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
What Makes ARFID Different?
The Connection Between ARFID and Neurodivergence
Many people with ARFID are also neurodivergent, particularly those with Autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences. For neurodivergent people, food can present unique challenges due to heightened sensory sensitivities, rigid thinking patterns, or difficulty with change.
Sensory aspects of food—such as texture, temperature, smell, or even the sound it makes when chewed—can be overwhelming and lead to strong aversions. Additionally, executive functioning difficulties may make planning, preparing, or trying new foods particularly challenging. For some, eating routines provide a sense of comfort and predictability, making it even harder to expand food choices.
Understanding this link is essential in providing the right support. A neuroaffirming, compassionate approach helps people with ARFID feel safe and empowered to explore food in a way that respects their needs, rather than forcing change.
How ARFID Affects Daily Life
ARFID can significantly impact a person’s ability to meet their nutritional needs, leading to deficiencies that affect both physical and mental health. It can also disrupt social interactions, as many daily experiences—such as family meals, work events, and social gatherings—revolve around food. When eating becomes a source of distress, feelings of anxiety and isolation often follow.
It is important to recognise that ARFID is not a choice. Understanding and support from loved ones, workplaces, and healthcare professionals can make a meaningful difference.
Compassionate, Neuroaffirming Support for ARFID
Support at Mind Body Well may include:
- Validating lived experiences with food and eating
- Identifying ways to meet nutritional needs using already accepted foods
- Exploring whether supplements may be useful to fill nutrition gaps
- Understanding the role of sensory preferences in food choices
- Developing strategies to support eating, such as sensory accommodations during meals or while grocery shopping
- Gradual, client-led exposure to new foods in a safe setting
- Creating frameworks for approaching unfamiliar foods and practising these in session
- Support with navigating social eating situations
- Harm reduction strategies to ensure adequate nutrition
MEDICARE AND PRIVATE HEALTH CLAIMS FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPY
You may be eligible to claim Medicare OR Private Health Insurance rebates for part of your session fees at Mind Body Well.
In order to claim a Medicare rebate you will need:
- A current Medicare card, details of which you will have the opportunity to provide us in your initial client forms
- A valid written referral and treatment plan from your Doctor (which needs to be provided to our administrative team prior to your appointment). These treatment plans can include the following types: Mental Health Care Plan, Eating Disorder
- Management Plan, and Chronic Disease Management Plan
We will process Medicare claims on your behalf, providing the above two have been provided to us prior to your appointment - Please note – this is a partial rebate only, we are not a bulk billing service.
In order to claim a rebate from your Private Health Insurance you will need:
- An appropriate level of cover (check with your fund)
- A receipt from us which you issue yourself to your private health insurance provider (we are unable to process these on your behalf)
- Please note – you are unable to claim from both Medicare and Private Health insurance for the same session
Please contact our administrative team if you need any further information about claiming rebates.
Ask about Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Therapy at our Melbourne Clinic
ARFID Telehealth Therapy
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