Windsor Mother Advocates for Awareness of ARFID in Children

In Windsor, Ontario, Ramzia El Annan is raising awareness about avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), a lesser-known eating disorder affecting her eight-year-old son, Mohammad Farhad. Unlike anorexia or bulimia, ARFID is characterized by severe sensory reactions to food rather than concerns about weight or body image. For Mohammad, the condition limits his diet to just two reliable foods: boiled eggs and spaghetti or lasagna.

El Annan explains that ARFID is often misunderstood, leading many to believe it is simply a case of picky eating. “My son is a non-eater,” she states. “It’s not about a behavioral issue and it’s not about a mental health issue. It’s really more of hypersensitivity that leads to this fear of trying food.” Since its formal recognition in 2013, ARFID has garnered increased attention, particularly as eating disorders surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The unique challenges that come with ARFID have become increasingly apparent to El Annan. She describes the emotional and physical struggles Mohammad faces, including not recognizing hunger until he is extremely hungry. “This is the curve that we keep going up and down,” she says of his eating patterns. “It’s really challenging and tiresome for him.”

On a typical afternoon, El Annan prepares a smoothie for Mohammad, blending milk with wheat powder, banana, and vanilla pudding. Careful to monitor his reactions, she encourages him to take small sips and bites. Despite the effort, the meal often results in half-eaten portions, highlighting the constant effort required to ensure her son receives adequate nutrition.

El Annan is not alone in her journey. She frequently collaborates with therapists and nutritionists to create a supportive environment for Mohammad. Regular therapy sessions help him cope with the challenges of ARFID. “It makes me feel brave,” Mohammad shares, reflecting on his personal growth and understanding of the disorder.

El Annan’s motivation to speak out stems from a desire to connect with other families facing similar struggles. She aims to raise awareness about ARFID, particularly within the education system, advocating for accommodations that her son requires, such as additional breaks during mealtime.

While resources for ARFID treatment are available, most focus on older teens and adults, leaving a gap for younger children like Mohammad. El Annan’s experience highlights a significant misconception surrounding ARFID—that it is merely picky eating. She emphasizes that this notion can undermine the seriousness of the disorder.

According to Heather Leblanc, a registered social worker with the Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association (BANA) in Windsor, ARFID manifests in various ways. “There are three main types: sensory sensitivity, fear of negative experiences, and a total disinterest in food,” she explains. The social and psychological impacts of ARFID can be debilitating, leading to anxiety and depression, particularly in children.

A Canadian study estimates that there are 2.02 cases per 100,000 pediatric patients diagnosed with ARFID, indicating that while it is rare, it is a significant concern for those affected. If left untreated, the disorder can lead to severe health complications, including nutritional deficiencies that affect physical and mental well-being.

El Annan hopes to develop a program aimed at helping families introduce a broader range of foods to children with ARFID. She believes that greater awareness and support from the community can enhance the quality of life for these children. “The anxiety and distress around food is very real,” Leblanc adds. “My hope is that with people speaking out, those with ARFID and their families feel less shame and less alone.”

For families seeking help, resources are available through organizations like the National Eating Disorder Information Centre and Kids Help Phone. Accessing appropriate support can make a significant difference in managing ARFID and improving overall well-being for affected individuals and their families.