Indicators Used to Identify ARFID: A Cross-Sectional Study with Professionals in Spain

Background/Objectives: Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) frequently co-occurs with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), yet its detection and assessment remain challenging. This study aimed to analyze terminology and professionals' views on features and indicators related to ARFID among Spanish professionals working with autistic individuals, identifying potential gaps and training needs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 194 professionals (62 speech therapists, 62 psychologists, and 70 occupational therapists) from different regions of Spain, who completed a 13-item questionnaire on their familiarity with terminology, definitions, and features they consider indicative to ARFID. Descriptive analyses and chi-square tests were applied to explore interprofessional differences. Results: Significant differences emerged across disciplines (p < 0.001). Psychologists showed greater familiarity with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria (78%), while speech-language therapists (72%) and occupational therapists (69%) more frequently endorsed sensory, oromotor, and behavioral features as relevant. Across all groups, 61% reported uncertainty about ARFID diagnostic criteria, and only 34% reported familiarity with validated assessment tools. Conclusions: Spanish professionals working with ASD populations demonstrate heterogeneous and generally limited understanding of the features they associate with ARFID, with discipline-specific approaches to assessment. These findings provide initial evidence in Spanish-speaking contexts and underscore the need for structured training and validated Spanish-adapted instruments to support early and accurate ARFID identification.