Adult ARFID: Understanding a Misunderstood Eating Disorder

Kiera Rasmussen, LCSW
Oct 3
3 min read

When we think of picky eating, most of us imagine children refusing to eat their vegetables. What we don’t talk about enough is that eating challenges can go much deeper than that—and they don’t always disappear with age. For some adults, these struggles are part of living with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

At Beyond Therapy & Nutrition Center, we know how isolating this can feel. That’s why we’ve created the Adult ARFID Collective, a support group designed specifically for adults who want a safe place to talk about their experiences, learn strategies, and connect with others who understand. If you’ve been searching for ARFID therapy or wondering if support even exists for adults with ARFID—the answer is yes. You are not alone.

👉 Click here to join or email Kiera at kiera@beyondnewtown.com.

What ARFID Looks Like

Have you ever wondered if you have ARFID as an adult? ARFID is often misunderstood. It can show up as avoiding foods because of texture, smell, or taste sensitivities. For others, it stems from fear—of choking, vomiting, or having a negative reaction to food. Some people simply lack interest in eating altogether.

ARFID isn’t about weight or dieting, and it affects people of all body sizes. Sometimes it overlaps with other conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, or OCD. And while it’s often talked about in children, many people continue to live with ARFID into adulthood—or even develop it for the first time later in life.

The impact goes beyond the plate. Adults with ARFID often share that they avoid work lunches or networking events, feel anxious about parties or coffee dates, and struggle with family gatherings where food is central. Comments like “just try it” or “you’re being too picky” can make things worse, adding shame to an already difficult experience. And for many, limited intake also leads to health concerns like fatigue, trouble concentrating, and nutritional deficiencies.

Real Stories from Adults with ARFID

To understand ARFID in adulthood, it helps to hear real stories:

Alex grew up being labeled the “picky eater.” At family dinners, food was often placed in front of them with pressure to “just try it.” As they got older, social events that involved food became stressful. Alex often skipped dinners with friends or work events to avoid the spotlight on their eating. It wasn’t until joining a support group that Alex realized there were other adults just like them.

Sarah had a very different experience. She ate without worry until adulthood, when she choked while eating on a date. After that night, fear took over. Sarah avoided most foods and stuck to liquids and soft meals that felt safe. Even after doctors reassured her that nothing was physically wrong, she couldn’t shake the fear. Finding ARFID therapy for adults helped her see she wasn’t alone and begin rebuilding her relationship with eating.

Bryan had lived with ADHD since childhood, and food was often an afterthought. He struggled to notice hunger cues and skipped meals without realizing. As a busy parent, he also worried about passing his own food anxieties on to his children. Bryan knew something had to change when fatigue and focus began to affect both his work and family life. In group support, he discovered strategies that helped him eat more consistently and model a healthier relationship with food for his kids.

Why We Started This Support Group

Most resources and conversations about ARFID focus on children, leaving adults feeling unseen. At Beyond, we believe support shouldn’t end at age 18. Adults with ARFID deserve therapy, community, and a safe space to share their stories without shame.

The Adult ARFID Collective was created to bridge that gap. Whether you want to decrease anxiety around food, increase food variety at your own pace, or simply know you’re not the only one—this group is for you.

Because recovery looks different for everyone, and that’s okay.