Trusted UK-based resources for families, carers, and professionals supporting children with ARFID
About This App's Calculations
This app calculates nutrition based only on food logged in the app. Vitamins and minerals from supplements are not included in the calculations. Please speak with your GP or dietitian about appropriate supplements for your child.
Beat Helpline: 0808 801 0677
(365 days a year)
Young Minds Parent Helpline: 0808 802 5544
NHS 111: Call 111
For urgent medical advice
Celebrate small wins - every new food tried is progress
Keep mealtimes calm and pressure-free
Try food chaining - link new foods to safe foods
Work with your GP to get specialist referrals
Connect with other ARFID families for support
Be patient - ARFID recovery takes time
Food neophobia (fear of new foods) is one of the core features of ARFID. Here's how to support your child:
Food Chaining
Start with a "safe food" and gradually introduce similar foods. For example: white bread → toast → French toast → pancakes. Make tiny changes in colour, texture, or shape.
Exposure Without Pressure
Let new foods be present at mealtimes without any expectation to eat them. Looking, touching, smelling, and licking are all steps toward eating. Celebrate every tiny interaction.
Play With Food
Sensory play outside of mealtimes helps reduce anxiety. Use foods for painting, building, or creating art. This removes the pressure to eat and builds familiarity.
Track Progress
This app shows a "New Food! 🎉" badge when you log something your child hasn't eaten before. Celebrate these moments - they're huge victories in ARFID recovery!
Comprehensive NHS resource featuring information and support materials for families living with ARFID. Includes downloadable guides on adding new foods, supporting mealtimes, school guidance, and a sensory play toolkit.
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust provides specialist mental health support and resources for those affected by ARFID, including referral pathways and treatment information.
GOSH provides specialist assessment and treatment for children and young people with ARFID. Information about their multidisciplinary approach involving dietitians, psychologists, and paediatricians.
General NHS guidance on eating disorders including ARFID, with information on symptoms, getting help, and supporting someone with an eating disorder.
The leading UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of ARFID. Provides support groups, educational resources, training for professionals, and advocacy for those affected by ARFID.
UK's leading eating disorder charity with dedicated ARFID resources, helplines, online support groups, and information for families. Offers a specialist helpline and webchat support.
A resource specifically designed to help parents understand and support children with ARFID. Includes practical strategies, success stories, and community support.
Many children with autism also have ARFID. The NAS provides specific guidance on eating difficulties in autistic children, sensory issues with food, and practical mealtime strategies.
Helpful guide for parent carers supporting children with disordered eating, including ARFID. Covers recognising signs, accessing support, and practical day-to-day strategies.
Comprehensive resource for families in Leeds and beyond, featuring guidance on understanding ARFID, accessing local services, and connecting with other families.
Contact provides advice and support for families with disabled children, including those with eating difficulties. Offers a helpline, guides, and local support groups.
Young Minds offers a parent helpline and resources for supporting children's mental health, including guidance on eating-related difficulties and anxiety around food.
Professional guidance from the BDA on ARFID, including assessment criteria, nutritional management, and multidisciplinary approaches to treatment.
Information from the RCPsych on eating disorders in children and young people, including ARFID, with resources for parents and professionals.
Specialist NHS service providing assessment and support for sensory processing difficulties, which often co-occur with ARFID. Includes information about sensory approaches to eating.
Downloadable PDF guide from Northumbria NHS with practical advice on introducing new foods to children with ARFID, including food chaining techniques.
Downloadable resource with strategies for creating positive mealtime experiences, reducing anxiety, and building a supportive eating environment.
Guide for schools and educators on supporting pupils with ARFID, including lunchtime strategies, communication with families, and creating inclusive environments.
Practical toolkit with sensory play activities that can help children become more comfortable with different food textures, smells, and appearances.
⚠️ Important
These supplements are shared by ARFID parents based on their experiences. They are not medical recommendations. Always consult your GP, paediatrician, or dietitian before starting any supplement.
Tasteless vitamin and mineral powder that can be sprinkled onto any food without changing taste, texture, or colour. Very popular with ARFID families. Contains vitamins A, C, D, E, B vitamins, iron, zinc, and more. Available on prescription or to buy.
Natural liquid iron supplement that's virtually tasteless when mixed with orange juice. Gentle on the stomach and well-absorbed. Many ARFID parents recommend this for children who need iron but won't take tablets.
Vitamin sprays (D3, B12, multivitamin) that absorb through the mouth - no swallowing required. Quick and easy for children who struggle with tablets or liquids. Pleasant mild flavours.
Range of children's vitamins in various formats including soft jellies, chewables, and liquids. The soft jellies are popular with picky eaters. Contains essential vitamins and minerals.
Established UK brand with softies, chewables, and liquid options. The softies have a mild orange flavour that many picky eaters accept. Omega-3, multivitamins, and vitamin D options available.
High-quality liquid vitamins that can be mixed into drinks or food. The Nutrisorb range includes liquid vitamin D, B vitamins, and minerals. Minimal taste when mixed. Often recommended by nutritional therapists.
Soft and chewy vitamin pastilles in fruity flavours. The familiar sweet-like format makes them more acceptable to some picky eaters. Range includes multivitamins, omega-3, and calcium options.
Tiny dissolvable vitamin D tablets that melt on the tongue in seconds. Virtually tasteless. Important for UK children who may not get enough sunlight. Available in child-appropriate doses.
Vitamin drops designed for infants and young children that can be added to milk, food, or drinks. Contains vitamins A, D, and C. Very small amounts needed. Often recommended by health visitors for restricted diets.
Gentle wholefood-based children's multivitamin in small capsules that can be opened and sprinkled onto food. No artificial colours or flavours. Recommended by many functional medicine practitioners.
Your GP can assess your child and make referrals to specialist services like paediatric dietitians, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), or eating disorder services.
Ask for referral to a paediatric dietitian with ARFID experience. Some areas have specialist ARFID clinics - Great Ormond Street Hospital and other major children's hospitals offer this.
Join ARFID Awareness UK, contact Beat, or connect with local parent carer forums for emotional support and practical advice from families who understand.