ARFID Treatment for Children, Adolescents and Adults
Specialist Psychological Support for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
At Diaita Psychology, we provide individualised psychological assessment and treatment for children, adolescents and adults experiencing Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and significant food-related anxiety.
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ARFID is an eating disorder characterised by restrictive or avoidant eating that may affect nutritional intake, physical health, growth, emotional wellbeing and participation in everyday activities.
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Unlike anorexia nervosa, ARFID is not primarily driven by concerns about body weight or shape.
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Our approach recognises the complex relationship between psychological wellbeing, sensory experiences, nutritional health and eating behaviours.
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ARFID psychology appointments are available in Cairns and via telehealth across Australia.
ARFID can occur independently or alongside autism spectrum disorder (ASD),
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and
other developmental or psychological conditions.
Understanding ARFID
Individuals experiencing ARFID may present with one or more of the following difficulties:
Sensory sensitivities:
Avoidance of foods because of their texture, taste, smell, temperature or appearance.
Fear of adverse consequences:
Anxiety about choking, vomiting, gagging or becoming unwell after eating.
Limited interest in eating:
Reduced appetite, low interest in food or difficulties recognising hunger.
Restricted food variety:
Reliance on a limited range of familiar or preferred foods.
Food-related anxiety:
Significant distress surrounding unfamiliar foods, mealtimes or eating in social situations.
Our Approach to ARFID Treatment
Psychological treatment is tailored to each individual's developmental stage, sensory needs, eating difficulties and personal goals.
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Depending on clinical assessment, treatment may incorporate:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for ARFID (CBT-AR) principles and interventions
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Family Based Treatment for ARFID (FBT-AR) principles and interventions
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Graduated exposure to unfamiliar foods and eating experiences
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Strategies for managing food-related anxiety
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Supporting flexibility around food choices and eating routines
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Emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills
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Parent and caregiver education and support
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Collaborative treatment planning with medical and nutrition professionals
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Treatment is delivered respectfully and collaboratively, without unnecessary pressure or coercion.
ARFID and Neurodivergence
At Diaita Psychology, we recognise that autistic individuals and people with ADHD may experience sensory differences, executive functioning challenges and other factors that influence eating.
Our neuroaffirming approach respects individual sensory experiences while supporting nutritional adequacy, emotional wellbeing and meaningful participation in daily life.
Collaborative Psychological and Nutritional Care
Diaita Psychology brings together expertise in psychology and dietetics, recognising the important relationship between emotional wellbeing, food-related behaviours and nutritional health.
Where appropriate, treatment is coordinated with GPs, dietitians, paediatricians and other health professionals to support comprehensive care.
Seeking an ARFID Psychologist in Cairns or via Telehealth?
Diaita Psychology welcomes enquiries from individuals, parents, caregivers, GPs, dietitians and other health professionals seeking psychological support for ARFID and restrictive eating difficulties.
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Contact Diaita Psychology to discuss assessment, treatment and appointment availability.
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Email: hello@diaitapsychology.com.au
Small Steps Towards Greater Food Confidence
Peaceful Plates is a collection of therapeutic resources developed by Diaita Psychology to support children and families experiencing food-related anxiety, selective eating and avoidant or restrictive eating difficulties.
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The resources encourage a compassionate, gradual and individualised approach to developing confidence around food and eating.
Recognising that progress looks different for every individual, Peaceful Plates emphasises emotional safety, curiosity, flexibility and achievable steps towards meaningful change.
The Peaceful Plates Method
SAFE — Creating Emotional Safety
Supporting individuals to feel understood, respected and emotionally secure during food-related experiences.
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STEADY — Building Confidence Gradually
Encouraging predictable routines, emotional regulation and manageable progress.
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TINY — Celebrating Small Steps
Recognising that meaningful progress may begin with looking at, interacting with or becoming more comfortable around unfamiliar foods.
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STRONG — Developing Confidence and Resilience
Supporting individuals and families to recognise their strengths, practise coping skills and build confidence through achievable experiences.
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Peaceful Plates in Psychological Treatment
Peaceful Plates resources may be incorporated into individualised ARFID psychological treatment at Diaita Psychology.
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Workbooks and activities can help reinforce therapeutic concepts, support parent and caregiver involvement and encourage the practice of skills between appointments.
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Resources are selected according to individual clinical needs and treatment goals.
Explore Peaceful Plates
Learn more about our therapeutic resources and how they may support children and families navigating ARFID, food anxiety and restrictive eating.
Diaita Psychology provides appointments in Cairns and via telehealth across Australia
Purchase Peaceful Plates Workbooks
Practical Resources for Families and Professionals
Peaceful Plates workbooks are also available as standalone educational and therapeutic-support resources.
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They are designed for parents, caregivers and professionals seeking practical ways to support children experiencing food anxiety, selective eating and restrictive eating difficulties.
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The resources can complement professional care but are not a substitute for individualised psychological assessment, medical advice or treatment.