Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: More than Picky Eating

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an Eating Disorder diagnosis in the DSM-5. While prevalence in the general pediatric population is not known, rates of ARFID are between 5% and 14% in pediatric inpatient eating disorder programs and up to 22.5% in a pediatric eating disorder day treatment program. Unfortunately, it is often unseen and misunderstood. This presentation will help clinicians better identify the DSM-5 criteria for ARFID, as well as non-DSM-5 indictors for ARFID. The presenters will discuss the the treatment of ARFID for individuals, and highlight how this looks in higher levels of care compared to individuals in the outpatient setting. Individuals struggling with ARFID may present to a variety of dietitians due to its presentations and impact on function. Practitioners will leave the presentation with an understanding of how to collaboratively with other clinicians and improve the behavior and mindset of individuals struggling with this condition.

Suggested Performance Indicators: 
3.1.1, 3.3.5, 5.1.1

4. Implement various treatment options for individuals with ARFID, including the introduction of initial food exposure.

Speakers: 

Emily Presbrey, MS, RD, LDN, has a kindhearted spirit and strong commitment to health and wellness, which serve as the foundation of her work as a registered dietitian. Emily has worked at inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient levels of care in eating disorder treatment and is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. Emily guides clients in nurturing a healthy relationship with food and their body. She helps clients redefine health and discover their own path to wellness, while also assisting clients as they reconnect with their physical, mental, and emotional self. Emily is enthusiastic about challenging diet culture and guiding clients in honoring their body’s true needs.As a “non-diet dietitian” Emily acknowledges that every person’s journey is unique and focuses on each person as a whole. Emily treats each client as an individual, providing the nutritional care that is most supportive for that person. Emily takes a client-centered approach and believes that the client is an integral component of the treatment team. She creates a safe space for each client to delve into their relationship and behaviors with food.

Lisa Carroll, MS, RD, LDN, is enthusiastic, dedicated, and compassionate about working with clients as a dietitian. She values learning about each individual and their story and believes that there is no “one size fits all” approach to health, weight or eating. Being able to explore the person as a whole becomes so important for Lisa in her work with clients. She sets up an individualized plan for all clients and has seen the benefit of unique learning and recovery experiences with an interactive approach to health and nutrition. This approach has allowed Lisa to guide clients throughout their journey, especially in regard to eating disorders. With over 10 years of experience treating eating disorders Lisa believes that full recovery is possible and that support and compassion can help someone achieve that goal.Lisa is also aware that oftentimes food can touch everything and struggling with food issues can severely impair someone’s quality of life. She wants all clients to see how food and nutrition can make a powerful impact on physical, mental, and emotional health and allow the individual to enjoy life to its fullest. Her goal as a dietitian is to help the client build lasting relationships with food and a positive body image and outlook on self as a whole.