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Intensive Multidisciplinary Intervention for Young Children With ARFID: Clinical Outcomes and Parental Experiences

Helena Holmäng1, Katarzyna Brimo1, Anna Ås2

  • 1Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Gothenburg, Sweden.

The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|January 16, 2026
PubMed

Insights

This study shows that an intensive multidisciplinary intervention (IMI) significantly reduced Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) symptoms in young children. Parents reported high satisfaction, valuing the tailored support and practical strategies for managing ARFID.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Child Psychology
  • Clinical Nutrition

Background:

  • Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) presents significant challenges in pediatric populations.
  • Early intervention is crucial for managing severe eating difficulties in children.
  • Understanding parental experiences is key to optimizing treatment delivery for ARFID.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the clinical outcomes of an intensive multidisciplinary intervention (IMI) for children diagnosed with ARFID.
  • To assess parental satisfaction and experiences with the IMI program.
  • To identify specific ARFID profiles that may benefit most from intensive intervention.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study involving 28 children (aged 2-8 years) with severe eating difficulties meeting ARFID criteria.
  • An 8-day IMI incorporating guided mealtimes, play-based exposures, nutritional counseling, and caregiver coaching.
  • Clinical outcomes assessed via PARDI at baseline and 7-15 months post-intervention; parental experience evaluated using ESQ and EIEQ.

Main Results:

  • While 27/28 children still met ARFID criteria at follow-up, overall symptom severity significantly decreased (p < 0.001).
  • Significant reductions were observed in both sensory-based (p = 0.002) and low-interest ARFID profiles (p < 0.001).
  • Improvements in nutritional status and growth criteria were noted, alongside high parental satisfaction with the intervention's multidisciplinary approach and practical strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Intensive, multidisciplinary, nondirective interventions show promise for reducing ARFID symptoms in young children, especially those with sensory and low-interest profiles.
  • The intervention enhanced caregiver competence and supported symptom reduction, though full remission was infrequent within the follow-up period.
  • Further controlled studies are necessary to confirm efficacy and develop sustainable care models for pediatric ARFID.
Abstract

Keywords:
ARFIDcaregiver involvementclinical outcomesintensive multidisciplinary interventionparental experiencesensory‐based interventiontreatment satisfactionyoung children

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