about feeding disorders & differences
Learn more about PFD & ARFID
About PFD
Pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) is a medical diagnosis used when a child’s eating is not age-appropriate and affects their health, growth, feeding skills, or family life. PFD can involve challenges in one or more areas:
- Medical: A child may not feel well enough to eat or may have trouble swallowing safely because of heart or breathing problems.
- Nutrition: A child may not eat enough or may not eat a wide enough variety of foods to grow and stay healthy.
- Feeding Skills: A child may have trouble chewing, swallowing, or managing different food consistencies and textures.
- Psychosocial: Eating may feel hard, painful, or scary. This can lead to stress at mealtimes or behaviors like crying, or refusing food.
Early identification and treatment are important for a child’s long-term health and well-being.
About ARFID
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a mental health diagnosis describing individuals who eat very little or avoid many foods, which can lead to nutrition concerns, but it is not related to body image.
This can present as a lack of interest or low appetite, sensory-based avoidance, or fear-based avoidance of food.
Can my child have PFD and ARFID?
Yes, some children can have both PFD and ARFID. When ARFID is diagnosed in young children, it is important to look at all four areas of PFD to make sure medical or feeding skill problems are not part of the child’s feeding difficulties.
We’re here to help
If you’re worried about your child’s feeding, you’re not alone. Get the resources and support you need to guide you on your feeding journey.