Most children go through stages of picky eating, but stages are often temporary, and do not interfere with childhood development. Picky eating can become complex and ultimately interfere with your child’s growth. It’s not just called “picky eating” anymore, it is now referred to as Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Often times ARFID results from severe pickiness, but other causes include negative experiences such as choking/vomiting phobias, sensory sensitivities (i.e., texture, temperature), and/or stomach pain. Dr. Shiels has expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of ARFID, even in the most severe of circumstances with individuals whom require hospitalization and other forms of re-feeding. Treatments will likely include family-based treatment (FBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure and response prevention.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist