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Issues with food

5 replies

MsCrawford · 29/03/2024 15:31

I have a DD age 11, who school and I are trying to get diagnosed before leaving primary school. She was rejected from getting into the pathway to diagnose in September, but school asked if they could re submit which I agreed too. Academically she is fine- excellent at maths, good all rounder really, very well behaved and compliant (rigid rule follower) she has had OCD compulsions around hand washing and touch related to germs that we have got to a manageable level with private counselling, school is great and brilliantly supportive. She has just had a stint with a therapist privately for working on an emotional toolkit after a self harm incident. The counsellor is off work til the autumn- and we will be starting back with her then. My post today is about food- DD has very limited foods that she will eat- which has always been tricky- and I sort of thought it would get better as she got older. However she seems to be reducing the amounts she eats, and I feel that we are heading towards eating disorder territory. She has changed body shape - has always been slim and sporty in a sturdy sort of way, but seems slimmer now. has anyone had any approaches they have tried that work? She eats raw veg and salad- and chips and crisps etc just proper meals are impossible. My approach at the moment is to have her agree to eat something for each meal- which may just be a yogurt. Her primary school make sure she has eaten lunch - but I'm worrying about leaving that safety net. Any advice very welcome for people who have been in a similar situation.

OP posts:
Headfirstintothewild · 29/03/2024 17:58

Have you looked at ARFID? You could request a referral to an eating disorder service who has experience with ARFID. Is DD underweight or losing weight? Keeping offering safe foods.

MsCrawford · 29/03/2024 19:07

Thank you- I'll have a look at that now- her weight looks perfect to get honest- her body shape is changing due to starting periods and puberty development- so that could be part of the visual difference. She is still very healthy looking- but two of the carbs safe foods she would eat she has gone off recently.

OP posts:
Headfirstintothewild · 29/03/2024 19:55

Would DD take a multivitamin?

MsCrawford · 29/03/2024 23:20

Yes- she loves a chewy multi vitamin

OP posts:
CadyEastman · 31/03/2024 07:52

My DD has ARFID. Well no official diagnosis yet but the Community Paed team, CAHMS and the GP all agree that she has it.

She goes through phases. If she is stressed about something her diet becomes more restrictive. Don't worry too much about her losing 2 safe foods. She may come back to them or find something else that she enjoys. My DD will eat a food over and over for months then suddenly go off it.

Would getting her assessed through Caudwell Children be an option? Their assessment process was 3 months, not sure what it currently is.

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