ARFID and How Our Medical Cards and Awareness Cards Can Help

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a serious condition that affects the way people eat. It is not the same as being a fussy eater or avoiding certain foods by choice. People with ARFID struggle with eating due to sensory sensitivities, fear of choking, or an overall lack of interest in food. This can cause nutritional problems and impact daily life.

We provide a range of ARFID Medical Cards and Awareness Cards designed to make life easier for those living with this condition. Our cards help explain dietary needs in restaurants, social situations, and medical emergencies without the stress of repeated explanations. Whether carrying a personalised medical card with emergency contacts or a non-personalised awareness card, having one of our cards on hand makes communication simpler.

What Is ARFID?

ARFID is an eating disorder that causes people to avoid or restrict certain foods. Unlike other eating disorders, it is not linked to body image concerns. People with ARFID may struggle to eat due to:

• A strong sensitivity to taste, texture, smell, or temperature
• A fear of choking, vomiting, or having an allergic reaction
• A general lack of interest in food or feeling full quickly

These issues can make it difficult to get enough nutrition, leading to weight loss, fatigue, and other health concerns. Many people with ARFID rely on a very limited diet, which can cause social difficulties and make it hard to eat outside the home.

Who Is More Likely to Have ARFID?

ARFID is most commonly diagnosed in children, but it can affect people of all ages. Some children go through phases of picky eating, but for those with ARFID, these habits do not improve with time. The condition can continue into adulthood, affecting diet, social interactions, and overall health.

Certain groups are more likely to develop ARFID, including:

• People with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing difficulties
• Those with anxiety or past food-related trauma
• Individuals with digestive conditions that cause discomfort when eating

Many people with ARFID struggle in social situations involving food. Eating at school, work events, or family gatherings can be stressful. This is why our ARFID Medical Cards and Awareness Cards are useful—they allow people to inform others about their condition without needing to explain it verbally.

Recognising the Symptoms of ARFID

ARFID affects everyone differently, but some of the most common symptoms include:

• Avoiding foods based on colour, texture, or smell
• Eating only a small range of "safe" foods
• Feeling anxious or distressed when trying new foods
• Taking a long time to eat or struggling to finish meals
• Feeling constantly tired due to poor nutrition

For some, these symptoms are mild and manageable. For others, ARFID can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies and the need for medical intervention.

How ARFID Is Treated

There is no single treatment for ARFID, as each case is different. However, support is available through a combination of medical and psychological approaches. Some common treatments include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Helps to change negative thoughts and fears about food.
• Exposure Therapy – Introduces new foods in a controlled and gradual way.
• Nutritional Support – Ensures the right balance of vitamins and minerals.
• Medication – Sometimes prescribed to help with anxiety or appetite stimulation.

Overcoming ARFID takes time, patience, and understanding. Carrying one of our ARFID Medical Cards or Awareness Cards can make the process easier by ensuring those around you understand your dietary needs.

Living with ARFID and How Our Cards Can Help

People with ARFID face many challenges, from finding food they can eat to dealing with social situations where meals are involved. Whether at school, work, or a family event, pressure from others to "just try" new foods can be frustrating. Many people with ARFID feel misunderstood, which can lead to anxiety around meal times.

Our ARFID Medical Cards and Awareness Cards provide an easy way to explain the condition. Whether dining out, travelling, or in a medical emergency, our cards help communicate dietary needs without the stress of constant explanations.

Why Carry One of Our ARFID Medical Cards or Awareness Cards?

Carrying one of our ARFID Medical Cards or Awareness Cards has many benefits:

• Explaining Dietary Needs – Whether at a restaurant, hospital, or school, our cards make it clear that the holder has ARFID.
• Reducing Stress – Instead of repeatedly explaining ARFID, simply show the card.
• Ensuring Understanding – Friends, family, teachers, and medical professionals can provide better support when they know what ARFID is.
• Emergency Situations – If urgent medical care is needed, our cards provide essential information.

Many people with ARFID find that carrying one of our cards makes day-to-day life easier. Our range includes personalised medical cards with emergency contacts and non-personalised awareness cards, so there is an option to suit everyone’s needs.

Find the Right ARFID Medical Card or Awareness Card for You

Our ARFID Medical Cards and Awareness Cards provide an easy way to explain the condition in everyday situations. View our full range today and choose the one that suits you best.

Understanding ARFID: Helpful Guides for Parents and Individuals

ARFID can be difficult to manage, whether you are supporting a child with the condition or living with it yourself. To help provide clear and practical information, we have written two in-depth articles that explore different aspects of ARFID. These guides offer valuable insights, expert advice, and real-life strategies to help individuals and families navigate the challenges of ARFID with confidence.

ARFID: A Parent’s Guide

This guide is for parents who want to understand ARFID and support their child in the best way possible. It explains the differences between ARFID and typical picky eating, explores the causes of the condition, and provides practical advice on managing mealtimes, social situations, and professional support. If you are looking for guidance on how to help a child with ARFID in a way that reduces stress and encourages positive progress, this is an essential read.

Read ARFID: A Parent’s Guide

A Life with ARFID: What You Need to Know

Living with ARFID comes with daily challenges, from finding safe foods to managing anxiety around meals and social situations. This article looks at the reality of ARFID, including how it affects physical health, mental well-being, and day-to-day life. It also provides practical advice on getting the right support, improving nutritional intake, and handling situations where food choices are limited. Whether you have ARFID yourself or are supporting someone who does, this guide offers useful strategies and reassurance.

Read A Life with ARFID: What You Need to Know

We have written these articles to provide clear, practical information for those affected by ARFID. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or someone living with ARFID, our goal is to help you feel informed and supported. Understanding ARFID is the first step toward making positive changes, and with the right knowledge, progress is always possible.