At Leeds Parent Carer Forum, we know that food-related challenges can have a big impact on children and families.
Following discussions with local families and professionals – including conversations at our workshop at Local Offer Live – we want to better understand how ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is affecting SEND families across Leeds. We can then help with future planning, to ensure services are informed by real lived experiences.
We’re inviting parents and carers to take part in our survey and come along to our coffee morning and ARFID workshop – please read on for further details.
We’re also sharing some helpful information about ARFID and where you can find support. We hope these resources can help families feel more informed and less alone.
What is ARFID? ARFID is a condition where someone avoids certain foods, limits how much they eat, or both. ARFID is more than just “picky eating” and can happen for a number of reasons, such as sensory sensitivities or anxiety.
There’s currently no national pathway for support, but children and young people may access help through local services such as speech and language therapy, dietetics, or occupational therapy.
Useful Resources
We’ve gathered a range of links, guides, and videos to help you learn more:
NHS & Clinical Resources:
· ARFID NHS Awareness Video – Insight Eating
Reading Recommendations:
· I’m More Than Just a Picky Eater! – Betsy Shelley & Chloe Davies
· ARFID: A Guide for Parents & Carers – Rachel Bryant-Waugh
· Food Refusal and Avoidant Eating in Children – Gillian Harris & Elizabeth Shea
Support Organisations:
· BEAT – Eating Disorder Support for Carers
We’ll continue to update this list as we discover more helpful tools.
Have your say
We’re encouraging parents and carers of children with food-related challenges or ARFID to complete this short, anonymous survey. Your answers will help shape how support is developed in Leeds.
The survey is open until 30th September, 2025:
We’re also inviting parent carers to a free, in-person workshop on Wednesday 24th September, 10:00am-12:00pm at The Vinery Centre, Leeds.
Led by Emma Smith, an Occupational Therapist from The Juniper Tree, the session will cover:
· What ARFID is and why it happens
· How sensory needs, anxiety and other factors play a role
· Practical tips and lived experience
· Reassurance: you’re not alone
Come along for a relaxed, friendly session and a chance to meet other families in similar circumstances. Click here to register. We hope to see you there!