The Signs & Symptoms of ARFID – An Experienced NYC Feeding Therapist’s Suggestions and Recommendations.
This week I have noticed increased awareness of a feeding issue I have personally experienced and specialized in treating – for the last 23 years as a speech-language pathologist and feeding therapist in New York City.
As a neurodivergent individual, speech language pathologist and feeding specialists for the past 23 years – I have helped many children with feeding challenges, including: extremely picky eaters and tube fed babies grow and thrive into healthy, well-nourished preschoolers!
Now – all of a sudden – my social media feeds are filled with the fancy acronym – ARFID – which before this week was definitely a rare occurrence!
ARFID – stands for Avoidant, Resistive Food Intake Disorder. This means that a child who has been diagnosed with ARFID has a very limited diet that may only be restricted to a few foods they feel comfortable and safe eating.
ARFID is not a choice. This condition is characterized by fear and anxiety around certain foods and mealtime in general.
A highly sensitive child may experience significant anxiety during mealtimes and be sensitive to certain tastes, temperatures or textures.
As a parent with little ones at home – you may be wondering: ‘ Is my child a picky eater or do I need some professional support? ‘
ARFID is not the same thing as picky eating. ARFID is diagnosed only if a child’s restricted food intake is affecting their growth and overall development.
Here are some common characteristics of ARFID symptoms that I treat:
- Food is significantly avoided because of its particular taste, texture, smell, temperature or visual appearance.
- Extremely restricted diet of only a few ‘safe foods.’
- Complications to overall appetite, growth, health and well being.
- Poor interoception and feelings of hunger
- Poor appetite overall
- Extremely picky eating that effects overall health and development
- Significant weight loss
- Nutritional deficiency
- Digestive & bowel issues
- Tiredness and dizziness
Common Behavioral Changes in ARFID can include:
- Difficulty paying attention
- Irritability and mood swings
- Lethargy
- Fear of eating
- Fear of choking
- Gagging or vomiting at sight or taste of certain foods
- History of medical surgery, illness or viruses that caused a reduction in food intake – resulting in fear of eating.
- Only eating foods with a certain visual presentation, smell, texture, temperature or taste.
- Difficulty sitting for a meal – with mealtime anxiety present.
The causes of ARFID are still being researched, complex and multilayered.
ARFID can be caused by a variety of factors and influences including:
- Fear and anxiety
- A complex birth or medical history
- Neurodivergence
- Health changes
- Medical illnesses, viruses, pathologies
- Structural changes
- Surgery
- Genetic changes
- Environmental, social and cultural factors
- History of trauma
ARFID can affect both children and adults.
Children are more at risk for feeding challenges – if they were born premature, have an underlying neurological concern or had a traumatic medical experience or situation around food, eating and mealtime.
Neurodivergent children who have been diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, anxiety or depression are also at higher risk for ARFID.
Untreated ARFID can have long reaching consequences for your child’s overall development – affecting their physical, cognitive, emotional and social well-being.
I invite you to consider help today – your child does not have to struggle through mealtime – anymore!
Mealtime CAN be a joyful time for nourishment and connection with your child and family!
Are you concerned your child may have ARFID?
Our experienced feeding therapists can assess your child’s mealtime skills – providing the personalized and tailored support your child needs to grow and thrive!
Chatty Child is a personalized, boutique, neurodivergent affirming, speech, feeding and occupational therapy clinic.
We are here to support all your child’s speech, feeding and occupational therapy needs.
I invite you to schedule a tour – to discover the support waiting for your child – at Chatty Child.
We are here to help. Let’s create excellent eaters, confident voices, calm minds, and limitless possibilities – together!
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP
Begin Children’s Feeding Therapy for Mealtime Success in NYC
At Chatty Child, we believe every child deserves to feel capable, confident, and successful in the classroom. If your child is struggling with focus, organization, reading, peer relationships, or self-expression at school, we’re here to provide the individualized support they need to thrive. Here’s how to get started:
- Contact us or call 347.491.4451 for a free 15-minute conversation to discuss the classroom challenges your child is facing and how speech therapy can help.
- Schedule a comprehensive evaluation that may include school observations to understand your child’s needs in their actual learning environment.
- Begin individualized therapy sessions with goals focused on the skills that support classroom success—from auditory processing to executive functioning to speaking confidence.
- Collaborate with your child’s educational team through regular communication, team meetings, and shared strategies that create consistency across home and school.
Your child doesn’t need to struggle alone. With the right support, they can build the communication foundations that make learning joyful, friendships easier, and confidence possible.
Holistic Speech and Occupational Therapy Services for Children in NYC
At Chatty Child, we support children as they develop the communication, cognitive, and social-emotional skills that help them thrive at home, in school, and in their wider community. Our approach looks at the whole child, recognizing that language development is deeply connected to learning, relationships, and self-confidence.
Our offerings include:
- Speech Therapy – Individualized, play-based sessions that enhance language, articulation, social communication, and confidence in real-world interactions.
- InterAct – A story-driven, imaginative program that strengthens language, connection, and self-assurance through creative play.
- Occupational Therapy – Guidance in sensory integration, fine motor skills, and fostering independence in daily routines.
- Hum Studios – Mindfulness, meditation, and compassion-based classes designed for accessibility at all ages and abilities.
- Teletherapy – Flexible virtual sessions for speech and occupational therapy, serving families across New York State.
- Tutoring – Customized academic support to boost reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
- Functional Nutrition – Nutrition strategies that promote focus, regulation, and overall developmental health.
- Consulting – Collaborative guidance for parents, caregivers, and educators to help children thrive in multiple environments.
- Group Programs – Small-group sessions fostering communication, cooperation, and social-emotional growth.
Meet Heather: Expertise Guided by Compassion and Insight
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA, CCC-SLP, is a nationally certified and New York–licensed speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience delivering pediatric speech therapy in NYC. Her approach blends professional expertise with mindfulness practices, trauma-informed care, and the perspective of living as a neurodivergent, differently-abled individual.
Motivated by both personal insight and clinical experience, Heather founded Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice centered on creative, individualized support for children. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book designed to inspire confidence, curiosity, and connection.
Heather and her team provide in-person services at their Tribeca clinic as well as virtual therapy sessions throughout New York State, empowering children to strengthen communication skills and express themselves confidently in everyday life.
