A new baking group designed to improve relationships with food has been set up by a Senior Occupational Therapist at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
The 10-week course that has been designed for children who have a specific type of eating disorder launched last year. Avoidance Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a term used to describe restrictive eating patterns that lead to significant health problems. Unlike other eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia, dietary restrictions associated with ARFID are not related to concerns about body image or wanting to lose weight.
Over the course of the sessions, children and their families will learn about different food groups and will be encouraged to experiment with recipes and try different foods.
"I wanted to develop something that could help children and parents build more positive relationships with food," Rebecca explains. “The sessions provide hands-on baking with a structured approach to introducing new foods in a safe, supportive environment. Each week there’s a new theme, allowing children to explore different food groups and have some fun testing the recipes”.
One of the participants who has greatly benefitted from attending is eight-year-old Florence, who was diagnosed with ARFID last year.
"Since Florence was a baby, we noticed she had issues with food," explains Florence's mum, Lucy. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, we came across an article about ARFID and immediately recognised the symptoms. It took some time to get a diagnosis, but now that we have, we are very pleased with the support Florence is receiving."
Florence's family has joined an ARFID support group and has worked with her school to make simple adjustments to accommodate her needs.
"We feel incredibly lucky that Florence has access to this service, and we are grateful for all the support from Becky and the eating disorders team," she added.
In addition to taking part in the 10-week baking group, Florence has been receiving specialist support from the All Age Eating Disorder Service at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust since her diagnosis. Rebecca introduced the baking group as part of the occupational therapy offer for ARFID.
The All Age Eating Disorder Service is one of a number of areas across the country to offer specialist support for ARFID. Since 2022, the Trust has developed a pilot program, supporting all ages through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for ARFID.
"People with ARFID are often mistaken for fussy eaters," says Serena Williamson, Lead Dietitian in the All Age Eating Disorders Service at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. "But it's more extreme. There are various reasons someone with ARFID might avoid or restrict their dietary intake, such as a lack of interest in eating, difficulty with the smell, texture, or taste of certain foods, or anxiety about eating following a negative experience like choking, allergies, or sickness. This restriction can lead to significant physical health concerns and impact their daily lives."
"It's incredibly rewarding to see the impact we can have. We often meet people who have lived with ARFID for most of their lives, and it's great to work with a range of professionals to make a real difference in their relationship with food."
Early intervention is crucial for any eating disorder, and people are encouraged to speak to their GP or a health professional if they have concerns about their eating. There are also resources available from national charities such as BEAT, Be Body Positive, and ARFID Awareness UK.