Food problems maybe ARFID help please

[Mumaaa]

Hi all
looking for some advice.
my son has autism and I think he has restrictive food disorder and fear of foods or textures.
has anyone had the same problem with their little one.
I have recently seen hypnotism for children who have this problem has anyone tried this or know anyone who has

my son will only eat a small list of foods for example home baked baguettes but they have to be just so or he will reject it so I am the only one who can cook for him as I’m more likely to get it spot on. We done a test once and me and my friend made him a Nutella sandwich same bread and everything and he knew I didn’t make it by the way it was cut although it was cut in four squares

I know he likes the smell of some of the food we cook as he always gets hungry when we’re eating. When offered he says he’s scared and I know it upsets him as he wants to eat.
he will only eat small portions of things separately not a normal size meal.

would love some help for him
the doctor and school are not bothered because he is eating food from all groups likes avacado almonds scrambled eggs weetabix if made just right! and lots of different fruits no veg
but it is difficult and restrictive. He also notices when things have been packed In lunch box they taste different so can’t eat out on days out.
Even a rice crispy square was not good as it had been in his bag a few days. I saw something about fear of perishable foods aswell. I can’t relate somewhat!
I am worried as well as he is trying to get more and more sugary products and I’m worried he will soon reject the only healthy things he likes.
he has said to me this week he’s fed up with the dinners I’m serving up funny but not funny! he won’t try anything so what can I do.

How small are small portions? If DS eats smaller portions, will he eat more frequently? What is his weight like? Will he take a multivitamin?

It sounds like the range of foods DS will eat is actually fairly wide for those who have difficulties with food. For now, I would keep feeding DS his safe foods. Some people find food chaining helpful.

I would go back to the GP (a different one if possible) and ask if you can be referred to an ARFID service.

Has DS had a sensory OT assessment?

Hi thank you for your message I am so glad he does like some healthy foods.
i have a meeting booked at school for my son to be referred to sensational kids occupational therapy.
do you think they will help me address the eating. The school said they are looking for better ways to help him learn from the ot
maybe it would be helpful for me to have a separate one.

he does take a multi vitamin and he does eat quite frequently on days where is allowed to just chill. But he seems to lose appetite sometimes and doesn’t get hunger ques. I think if he’s been busy or concert eating hard at school or he’s with friends he won’t get hungry as he too focused on play?

Concentrating not Concert eating lol

Sensory OT can help with food issues that are related to sensory difficulties. I would wait to see what the current referral before looking at a separate private referral.

Not feeling hunger (or thirst) can also be related to sensory needs. Can you/other adults with DS remind him to eat and drink? Even if DS struggles to eat outside the home, can you try to ensure at home he has 3 meals and 3 snacks a day.

I will wait to see what the OT says from school.
yes I am repeatedly trying to get him to have food as he only eats small amounts. It’s just hard to have a day out he can’t really eat much

I would like to point you to the BEAT eating disorders website.Weve had experience of anorexia with my daughter and I found the website useful.They usually have an online conference around this time of year and last year they had a speaker (mum) talking about Arfid. They also have a page about what to say to doctor, plus chat boards, online learning etc. If you prefer to talk, they have a telephone line.

I would also recommend sensory ot. Be aware not all OTs are sensory trained (it's an additional post graduate qualification) so the school one might not be. Try and find out if your area has an ARFID pathway.

@CabraCadabra All OTs at Sensational Kids have at least module 1, which isn’t particularly a lot but is more than many. Some such as Aniesa Blore are excellent and very well thought of.

Thank you all so much
I will definitely look at BEAT
also check with school which assessment my son will be having at sensational kids as they are all different the most thorough one is £995 hoping this is the one he will have, he has a EHCP fundings. If not I will look at finding a sensory ot myself.
in the referral teacher was definitely insinuating he has sensory problems
I feel like he may have dyspraxia having read about it but I haven’t mentioned it I feel like the school already know but they like to get things diagnosed before saying