Our approach to ARFID
The Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Program offers support for children and teens who struggle with ARFID and may be at risk for malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies.
Our goal is to provide high-quality, comprehensive care through a team-based approach. We work closely with families to evaluate each child and create a personalized care plan. Whenever possible, we collaborate with your child’s pediatrician and community members (teachers, coaches, counselors, etc.).
Our team includes experts in:
- Gastroenterology
- Adolescent medicine
- Nutrition
- Mental health services
Key services include:
Medical monitoring and support
- We assess for any underlying medical conditions that may affect feeding.
- Our team provides medical management to support your child’s overall health.
Nutrition monitoring and support
- We evaluate your child’s current diet and identify any nutritional gaps.
- We offer personalized recommendations to help meet their nutritional needs and gradually expand food variety.
Psychology and social work services (as needed)
- We provide emotional and social support to help families manage the challenges that often come with ARFID.
- Our team can assist in identifying additional treatment options and community resources.
Referrals (as appropriate)
- We may refer your child to other specialists at Boston Children’s Hospital, such as endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, or outpatient psychiatrists.
- If needed, we can also connect you with trusted providers in your community, especially if care at Boston Children’s isn’t the best fit or if you need services we don’t offer.
Together, we aim to improve your child’s nutrition to support healthy growth and correct deficiencies.
ARFID Program intake form
To initiate the screening process that is required for our program, a legal guardian or the patient (if 18 years or older) must complete our intake form.
Who we see
Our program serves patients ages 6 to 18 who have been diagnosed with ARFID and meet one or more of the following criteria for severe malnutrition:
- No weight gain for six months or longer in a growing child
- A body mass index (BMI) for age Z-score -2.0 or lower
- Weight loss of 5 percent or more of body weight in the past three months
- Severely limited diet (for example, eating only five or fewer foods, or avoiding entire food groups)
To be eligible for treatment, patients must:
- Have no diagnosis with another restrictive eating disorder (e.g., anorexia nervosa)
- Live in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont) during the time of treatment
What if my child does not meet these criteria?
If you’re concerned about your child or teen’s eating habits, but they do not meet the criteria for severe malnutrition listed above, we recommend speaking with your pediatrician. Together, you can decide whether any of the following steps may be helpful:
- Referral to our Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition to rule out any underlying conditions and assess any gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms
- Referral to a psychologist to support your child in managing anxiety around food, general anxiety, or other mental health concerns
- Appointment with our clinical nutrition specialists for a full nutrition assessment and personalized care plan
- A referral to our Feeding and Swallowing Program for a clinical evaluation of your child’s feeding behaviors, skills, and difficulties
- Access to community-based feeding therapy (view our guide to local ARFID feeding therapy and SLP resources)
- For children under age 6, a referral to a multidisciplinary program that is specifically designed for younger children, such as Boston Children’s Growth and Nutrition Program, may be appropriate.
- For teens over age 12, a referral to our Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine for adolescent-specific care may be appropriate.
