Dd has always been a bit funny around shared food, buffets mainly. I thought this was reasonably normal as I do get that the general public can be a bit gross though I don't worry too much myself as long as places look clean.
Recently it's developed in to not wanting to use communal cutlery, most places like school have disposable and if we went to a restaurant she will be ok, providing it's a set table (as opposed to cafe style where they have buckets of cutlery that customers help themselves to). I have bought her a travel set to keep in her bag for times she needs them.
Most of this I get! Places and people can be gross! I should say at this point she doesn't have health anxiety at all or emetophobia, and no other 'germophopia' behaviour like hand washing... She plays sport and is a good weight, eats well at home. No concerns at all that it's a food itself issue.
It's come to a bit of a head becuase she has just been abroad with school and they called home with concerns that she wasn't eating much (hotel all inclusive buffet) and now I wonder if it has tipped it to the need for help? I'm not sure she would agree.
She did eat there but was careful at the buffet and choose to buy some things from the shop plus snacks we had packed. She said it was highlighted because some of the girls ate quite a lot, she does have a smaller appetite but I stress we have no concerns with actual food consumption issues.
Any tips? Anyone dealt with this before? Thanks.