The answer is simple, no! You are never too old to seek treatment for Selective Eating or ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). I know that people typically think about therapy for kids, like toddlers and school-aged kids. But, challenges such as ARFID do not only impact kids. ARFID is a condition that affects individuals of all ages and can have a significant impact on their quality of life. ARFID can impact people regarding health, the ability to form and maintain relationships, limiting travel, as well as a variety of other ways.  

ARFID is characterized by an extreme avoidance or restriction of certain foods due to food phobia (fear around food), which can lead to nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and other health problems. It can also lead to social isolation and difficulty participating in daily activities.

Treatment for ARFID typically involves working with a team of healthcare professionals, including a speech language pathologist, to address the underlying causes of the disorder and develop strategies to improve eating behaviors.

Generally, a speech language pathologist’s role is to assess and treat any swallowing or feeding difficulties that may be contributing to the ARFID. Here at Picky Eaters Online, we truly believe that therapy is not “one size fits all.” Kelly uses techniques such as exposure therapy, but she has also received training in how to reduce anxiety, how to recognize food phobia, and how to help reduce anxiety around food. She uses both sensory and behavioral techniques blended together to optimize her client’s progress and uses alternative therapy techniques, such as hypnosis. Kelly also completes an in-depth evaluation to identify or rule out any underlying factors that may be impacting the client. This could include medical concerns but also family issues/family dynamics, pressure, or stress, anxiety and more. 

Remember, seeking treatment for ARFID is a positive step toward improving your health and well-being, no matter what your age. You are never too old for treatment! 

If you’re looking for some more information about ARFID, here are a few posts that may help: 

• ARFID and Children (https://infinityhypnosis.com/blog-post-2/)
• Is ARFID all the same or are there a variety of types (https://infinityhypnosis.com/is-arfid-all-the-same-or-are-there-a-variety-of-types/)

Kelly is a speech language pathologist and a feeding specialist who also specializes in using hypnosis, among other techniques, to support feeding difficulties residing in Lake Nona. She provides support to toddlers, teens and young adults. If you have questions, please reach out to Kelly at Pickeatersonline.com. Kelly can answer your questions over a free phone consultation, where she can further discuss feeding therapy and/or how hypnosis works and how hypnosis could help you or your loved one’s specific needs. 

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