Resources

We have compiled a list of resources that you may find useful. Please note that these resources are written and managed by external agencies.

Recommendations for parents and carers:

Charities

ARFID Awareness is a charity with lots of information, resources and support groups on their website

BEAT

BEAT is an eating disorder charity with various resources and support.

The Hummingbird ARFID support group runs on Thursday from 6.45pm to 7.45pm. This is an online group chat. Please see the website for further details.

They also run a peer support group called Endeavour which meets weekly:

Endeavour is a peer support group for parents and carers of children and young people aged 5-15, with an ARFID (Avoidance/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) diagnosis and/or displaying ARFID behaviours and presentations. Access to this support may vary according to where you live. Please check the website for further details.

Book recommendations for parents and carers

The Fussy Eater's Guide to Exploring Food: A book for children by Alison Butterworth, Samantha Sargent, Kay Toomey 2023

ARFID Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: A Guide for Parents and Carers by Rachel Bryant-Waugh, 2019

Food Refusal and Avoidant Eating in Children, including those with Autism Spectrum Conditions: A Practical Guide for Parents and Professionals by Gillian Harris and Elizabeth Shea, 2018

Can't Eat, Won't Eat: Dietary Difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Disorders by Brenda Legge , 2008

This book provides a parent/carer perspective on having a neurodivergent child with eating difficulties.

Resources for individuals:

Book recommendations for individuals

Autistic Teens Avoidant Eating Workbook by Dr Elizabeth Shea, 2023

The Picky Eaters Recovery Book: Overcoming Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder by J. Thomas, K Becker and K Eddy, 2021

ARFID and Selective Eating Food Journal: Practical and Empowering by R Hicks, 2023

Resources for professionals:

Book recommendations for professionals

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder in Childhood and Adolescence: A Clinical Guide edited by Rachel Bryant-Waugh and Claire Higgins, 2020

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Children, Adolescents, and Adults by Jennifer Thomas and Kamryn Eddy, 2018

Family-Based Treatment for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder by James Lock, 2021

Academic papers

Howard, M., Hembry, P., Rhind, C., Siddall, A., Uddin, M. F., & Bryant-Waugh, R. (2023). Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) as a psychological intervention in the treatment of ARFID for children and young people. The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, 16, e5.

Bryant-Waugh, R., Loomes, R., Munuve, A., & Rhind, C. (2021). Towards an evidence-based out-patient care pathway for children and young people with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder. Journal of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy, 31(1), 15-26.

Archibald, T., & Bryant‐Waugh, R. (2023). Current evidence for avoidant restrictive food intake disorder: Implications for clinical practice and future directions. JCPP advances, 3(2), e12160.

Willmott, E., Dickinson, R., Hall, C., Sadikovic, K., Wadhera, E., Micali, N., ... & Jewell, T. (2024). A scoping review of psychological interventions and outcomes for avoidant and restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). International Journal of Eating Disorders, 57(1), 27-61.