ARFID isn't picky eating. And it isn't your fault.
A recognized eating disorder with real causes — sensory sensitivity, fear after a bad experience, or little interest in food. Our caregiver-led program helps you widen your child's world, one food at a time.
Finally, a name for it
"She's just picky." "He'll eat when he's hungry." You've tried everything — and known in your bones this was something more.
It is. ARFID — avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder — is a recognized condition. It has nothing to do with vanity, body image or attention.
It isn't caused by parenting. And your child isn't choosing it.
A lot of people don't understand and just think she's picky because she wants attention.
— Parent of a child with ARFID
Three reasons, one child at a time
The avoidance usually traces to one or more of three drivers.
Sensory sensitivity
Certain textures, smells, temperatures or appearances feel genuinely unbearable — not disliked, unbearable. Common alongside autism and ADHD.
Fear of what might happen
After choking, vomiting or pain, eating can become frightening. The list of foods that feel safe gets shorter and shorter.
Low interest in eating
Some children rarely feel hunger the way others do. Eating feels like a chore, and a few mouthfuls feel like plenty.
The right next step for a sensory-avoidant child is the wrong one for a fearful child. That's why our program starts with understanding, not pressure.
The gap families fall into
ARFID treatment isn't yet in national clinical guidelines, so services vary hugely. Families are passed between pediatrics, neurodevelopmental services and dietitians — or told their child doesn't fit anywhere.
We built our ARFID program to close that gap: specialist, evidence-informed support you can start today, wherever you live — the same program, delivered through the Univa apps.
What you'll have in your pocket
Built by the clinicians who treat this, and the families who live it. It doesn't open by telling you what to do. It starts by working out what's actually driving your child's avoidance, then builds everything else around that answer.
Needs-based assessment
Pinpoints what drives avoidance — sensory, fear, low interest, or a mix of all three.
Nutritional picture
Nutritional profile helping you understand any gaps to guide which foods to introduce.
Food-exposure engine
Playful experiments that adapt to your family's pace, week by week.
10 week program
Week by week new modules helping you gain new skills and knowledge to support your child.
A few of the things you'll find inside. Behind them sit dozens of modules and videos from families who’ve been there, and other tools to help you and your child.
Built around your child. Led by you.
A caregiver-led program — your child doesn't need to sign up. A 10-week core that then moves at your pace.
A needs-based assessment first
Using PARDI-AR-Q, a structured ARFID interview, we pinpoint what drives your child's avoidance — sensory, fear, low interest, or a mix.
A food-exposure engine, at your child's pace
Playful, game-like food experiments matched to your child's profile. Progress is celebrated; pressure is banned. A nutrition picture updates as new foods come in.
Adapted for autism and ADHD
Designed with neurodevelopmental profiles in mind from the beginning — because strategies that work for a neurotypical child can backfire for an autistic one.
Caregiver skills throughout
The New Maudsley approach, translated for ARFID mealtimes: lowering anxiety, avoiding the pressure trap, and looking after your own reserves too.
What progress looks like
Not a clean plate. Not overnight. Progress with ARFID looks like a new food touched, then licked, then tried. A calmer table. A birthday party attended. A child who trusts that no one will push.
Even the teeniest steps deserve celebration — and this program is built to notice every one.
The app has helped in every aspect of life. You can focus on the app together during parts of the week that best fit in with his snack and meal routines.
— Mom of an autistic son with ARFID
You've been told it's nothing. It's something — and there's help.
Your child's world can get wider. Small steps, together.
Is this right for me?
What are you facing right now?
This program is not yet available to buy.
Still unsure? Book a free call and we'll help you choose.