Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder in childhood autism: A narrative review

Abstract

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), defined by the DSM-5, affects children’s growth and development and is common in those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This update aims to describe the causes, consequences, detection strategies, and therapeutic approaches to ARFID in children diagnosed with ASD, based on published scientific articles. Original articles, reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials published between January 2016 and February 2025 in peer-reviewed journals were included in this review. The search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar using the descriptors “ARFID AND AUTISM.” Only full-text studies in English or Spanish focusing on the pediatric population were considered; we found 23 relevant publications. This study explores how ASD characteristics can influence ARFID symptoms. Considering the findings, recommendations, and treatments based on clinical trials and meta-analyses are analyzed.