Chompions! A Treatment Study for Childhood Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Chompions! A Treatment Study for Childhood Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a disorder that affects toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults. Individuals with ARFID are not able to consume an adequate amount or variety of food to a degree that it affects their mental and/or physical health. ARFID often begins in early childhood so it is important to treat children in early in life as possible to prevent any negative consequences of poor nutrition. There are currently no treatments for young children with ARFID. The investigators have developed two different study programs and the purpose of this study is to test them out and see if they help children with ARFID and to learn more about how these study programs work.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Child is between 60 and 119 months (5 years and up to 9 years, 11 months)
• English Speaking
• Consent given by parent and assent by child

And any one or more of the following:

• Score of 29 or above on the Child Food Neophobia Scale
• Underweight
• Current diagnosis of ARFID
• Dependent on nutritional supplements to achieve sufficient calories for optimal growth
• Avoiding activities due to eating rated at least almost always

Exclusion Criteria:

• Child is known to have a severe intellectual disability based on medical chart review
• Meets diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa
• Is currently enrolled in a treatment study or receiving active treatment for ARFID
• Taking medications known to affect appetite