At Sööma, we recognize and honor the strengths and needs of neurodivergent individuals. We are committed to a respectful, inclusive approach that sees neurodivergence not as something to be corrected, but as part of human diversity.
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
ARFID is defined by a disturbance of feeding behavior which may be manifested by a lack of interest in food or rejection of food due to sensory properties
ARFID can often be mischaracterized as picky eating, but can be distinguished by resulting physical symptoms such as an inability to maintain a biologically appropriate weight or nutrient deficiencies that impact health.
Some individuals with ARFID have an aversion to novel foods, finding their taste, texture or smell extremely intense. Others may present as having an extreme fear of throwing up, choking or having an allergic reaction after a traumatic experience .
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How a limited diet keeps ARFID going:
- Eating the same foods all the time makes new foods taste even more different
- Certain micronutrient deficiencies can impact the taste of food and can contribute to food being less appealing
- Eating a limited variety of food can make you feel tired of the taste, further limiting variety in the diet
- Eating an unvaried diet can lead to health problems
- It may be difficult to enjoy social events around food which can lead to isolation
ARFID and Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence describes the natural diversity in how people think, learn, and interact with the world around them. This includes conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and others.
These neurological differences aren’t deficits—they represent varied and valid ways of experiencing life.
When it comes to treating Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a neurodivergent-affirming model acknowledges that sensory sensitivities, cognitive styles, and emotional regulation may all play a role in how someone relates to food.
What a Neurodivergent-Affirming Approach Looks Like:
- Supporting Sensory Needs: Treatment respects sensory experiences such as sensitivities to smell, taste, texture, or appearance. Rather than pushing rapid change, we work with individuals to gently explore new foods in a way that aligns with their comfort and sensory profile.
- Personalized Flexibility: Instead of a one-size-fits-all strategy, we tailor food exposures to each person—often using familiar textures or flavours as starting points. Our goal is to build a positive, sustainable relationship with food.
- Collaborative Care: We believe in shared decision-making. Treatment is guided by the individual's own insights, goals, and preferences—encouraging autonomy and self-trust throughout the recovery journey.
- Reducing Shame and Stigma: We actively move away from the idea that food challenges are misbehaviours or something to be "fixed." By affirming neurodivergent perspectives, we shift the focus to well-being, not normalization.