ARFID Support

At NeuroThrive, we view children’s health from a whole-body perspective, considering the many interconnected factors that influence development, behaviour, and overall well-being. We don’t just address symptoms—we work to identify and support the root causes that may be contributing to your child’s unique needs.

Helping Your Child Feel Safe Around Food

we understand that Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is more than just “picky eating.” It’s a complex feeding challenge that can impact your child’s nutrition, growth, sensory processing, and overall well-being. Our gentle, evidence-based approach focuses on supporting safe foods, expanding variety at your child’s pace, and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to food avoidance.

As a mother of a neurodivergent child with ARFID, I know firsthand the frustration, guilt, and worry that can come with mealtimes. I also understand the pressure from well-meaning advice to “just make them eat.” But the truth is, ARFID isn’t a behavioural issue—it’s a deeply rooted sensory, neurological, and physiological response. That’s why at NeuroThrive, we take a compassionate, pressure-free approach to help children build a positive relationship with food while ensuring their nutritional needs are met.

Nutritional Support for Brain Development

The brain and gut are deeply connected, playing a fundamental role in mood, focus, sensory processing, and behaviour. We conduct individualised nutritional assessments to identify any deficiencies that could be affecting cognitive function. Our goal is to ensure children receive the key nutrients needed for healthy brain development, including vitamins, minerals, and targeted nutritional therapies.

Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies

Many neurodivergent children and in particular those suffering from ARFID experience nutritional imbalances, which can affect immune function, digestion, energy levels, and brain health. We focus on restoring key nutrients like iron, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins, ensuring the body has what it needs to thrive.

Personalised Dietary Guidance

Dietary choices can have a significant impact on a child’s daily function, energy levels, and behaviour. We work closely with families to assess dietary patterns, identify potential food sensitivities, and introduce nutrient-dense foods that support gut and brain health. Our approach is never one-size-fits-all—we customise nutrition strategies to fit each child’s preferences and needs while minimising unnecessary dietary restrictions.

Immune Support & Infection Management

Children with Autism, ADHD, ARFID and other neurodevelopmental conditions are often more vulnerable to immune dysregulation and chronic infections. Our approach includes gentle, natural interventions to help strengthen immunity, support gut health, and reduce the impact of infections that may be contributing to behavioural or digestive concerns.

Fed is Best: Supporting Your Child’s Unique Nutritional Needs

We believe in the “Fed is Best” philosophy—meaning that getting enough nutrition in a way that feels safe for your child is the priority. Unlike traditional feeding therapies that focus on forcing food variety, we honour where your child is now while gently expanding their comfort zone over time.

✔ We support & work with your child’s safe foods—no pressure, no force.
✔ We gradually expand accepted foods using sensory-friendly strategies.
✔ We focus on correcting nutritional deficiencies without making food a battle.
✔ We nurture gut health & neurotransmitter balance to reduce sensory overload.
✔ We respect neurodivergent sensory needs and help create positive food experiences.

Our approach ensures that nutritional gaps are filled without adding stress, helping children feel physically and emotionally safe around food while supporting their brain, body, and overall well-being.

Our Approach to ARFID Treatment

Meeting Your Child Where They Are

Every child with ARFID has unique food preferences, sensory sensitivities, and fears around eating. Rather than forcing change, we support what already feels safe and build confidence from there.

Correcting Nutrient Deficiencies Without Pressure

Many children with ARFID experience low iron, zinc, omega-3s, and vitamin deficiencies, impacting energy, focus, immune health, and sensory processing. We develop gentle, non-invasive ways to support nutrition through safe foods, supplements, and gut healing.

Supporting the Gut-Brain Connection

Gut health plays a significant role in sensory processing, neurotransmitter balance, and overall food tolerance. We focus on:
✔ Reducing inflammation that may worsen sensory sensitivities.
✔ Supporting digestion & microbiome balance to improve nutrient absorption.
✔ Addressing underlying gut issues such as reflux, constipation, or bloating.

Strengthening Neurotransmitters for Sensory Regulation

The brain’s neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, GABA) influence food acceptance, sensory tolerance, and anxiety around eating. We use targeted nutrition, gentle supplementation, and lifestyle strategies to help:
✔ Reduce sensory overload so food doesn’t feel overwhelming.
✔ Improve appetite regulation for more relaxed eating experiences.
✔ Support emotional regulation to decrease anxiety around mealtimes.

Creating a Supportive, Non-Judgmental Environment

Our treatment is never about force or unrealistic expectations—it’s about meeting your child where they are, respecting their neurodivergence, and building trust around food. We also support parents and caregivers in navigating mealtime stress, social pressures, and nutrition concerns, ensuring the whole family feels empowered.

Why Choose NeuroThrive for ARFID Support?

✔ Expert-led, holistic care tailored for neurodivergent children
✔ A pressure-free, compassionate approach to feeding challenges
✔ Personalised nutrition plans that prioritise safe foods & gentle expansion
✔ Science-backed strategies to support gut health, sensory processing & neurotransmitters
✔ Parent support & guidance—because you shouldn’t have to navigate this alone

You Are Not Failing—Your Child Deserves a Different Approach

If mealtimes feel like a battle, if you worry that your child isn’t getting enough nutrients, or if you feel alone in this journey, we’re here to help. Your child isn’t broken, and neither are you. They simply need an approach that respects their needs while supporting their growth at a pace that feels safe.

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