Beyond Picky Eating: How Autism & ARFID Can Shape Our Relationship with Food

Unlocking the mysteries of food aversions and sensory struggles in Autistic People.

I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "They will eat if they're hungry," and for some people, this may be true, but this is not the case (and may even be dangerous for many Autistic People with co-occurring ARFID). 

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a serious and sometimes life-threatening eating disorder characterized by highly selective eating habits, also known as "extreme picky eating." ARFID is often marked by disturbed feeding patterns that can lead to nutritional deficits and other health issues. 

ARFID is more common in Autistic People than in the general population. 

Autistic People with co-occurant ARFID may be underweight due to insufficient calorie intake and limitations in the amount or types of food that are consumed. 

We also can be overweight if the only foods we find "safe" are calorie-dense but low in nutrition. 

While we often think of children when we hear about "picky eaters," ARFID is a disorder that can occur throughout the lifespan of all ages. It's also a lot more than picky eating. 

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