What is avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder?

September 22, 2025

This disorder is characterized by extremely narrowed eating patterns that result in a young person persistently not meeting their nutritional or energy needs. Restricted eating patterns can include a young person avoiding certain foods based on sensory sensitivity, such as a strong reaction to the texture of a food, or a fear of negative outcomes, such as choking.

For more information, see Vol. 17, No. 4 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.