ARFID, FUSSY EATING & PFD - BONDI BEACH & TELEHEALTH
Fussy Eating, ARFID & PFD Support
There's a difference between fussy eating and ARFID - and knowing which one you're dealing with changes everything.
If your child's restricted eating isn't improving with time, you're not imagining it. We provide specialist, evidence-based support for children and adults with ARFID, PFD and significant food selectivity - without pressure, judgement or quick-fix promises.
APD Accredited Dietitian
NDIS Registered Provider
ANZ Eating Disorders Affiliated
★★★★★ 5-Star Google Reviews
In-person Bondi Beach + Telehealth Australia-wide
DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?
You've been told they'll grow out of it. But they haven't
ARFID and significant fussy eating rarely resolve on their own. If any of these feel familiar, specialist support could make a real difference.
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Your child eats fewer than 15-20 foods - and the list keeps shrinking
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New foods trigger genuine fear, gagging or complete shutdowns - not just dislike
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Mealtimes involve tears, bargaining or full meltdowns on a regular basis
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You've been told "it's just a phase" for years - and nothing has changed
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Your child's restricted diet is affecting their growth, energy or nutritional intake
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Eating outside the home - at school, parties, restaurants - is extremely stressful or impossible
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As an adult, your limited diet is affecting your relationships, social life or health
OUR APPROACH
Slow, Safe And Always LED By Your Child.
We use evidence-based, child-led feeding therapy techniques - including the SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) approach, food chaining, responsive feeding therapy and food play - to gently expand your child's food tolerance at a pace that feels safe for them.
Progress with ARFID is measured in small, meaningful steps - touching a new food, sitting near an unfamiliar texture, smelling something different. Every step counts.
We work closely with parents throughout, because consistent, low-pressure support at home is just as important as what happens in the session itself.
Supporting Pillars:
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Pressure-free and child-led
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SOS approach, responsive feeding therapy, food play and food chaining techniques
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Neuro-affirming and sensory-informed
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Parent coaching included
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Multidisciplinary collaboration available
Detailed ARFID assessment
Full feeding profile, sensory history and nutritional review
What We Work On Together
Sensory-based food exploration
Low-pressure introduction to new foods, textures and smells
Every plan is tailored to your child's specific sensory profile, feeding history and family situation. Here's what ARFID and fussy eating support typically covers.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Food chaining and safe-food bridging
Expanding variety by building on what already feels safe
Reducing fear and anxiety around food
Gentle strategies to decrease distress at mealtimes
Parent and carer coaching
Practical tools and consistent strategies for use at home
Allied health collaboration
Liaison with OT, speech pathology, psychologists and paediatricians
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
What To Expect From Your First Appointment
Your first session is a thorough 60-minute assessment. We'll take a detailed history of your child's feeding journey - what they eat, what triggers distress, their sensory profile and how mealtimes currently feel for your family.
There is no pressure on your child to eat, taste or touch anything during the session. We move entirely at their pace, from day one.
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Full feeding assessment (60 min)
We build a complete picture of your child's eating history, sensory profile, nutritional status and family mealtime dynamics.
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Personalised ARFID Plan
A tailored plan using evidence-based techniques - designed around your child's specific safe foods, triggers and comfort level.
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Gradual, Supported Progress
Regular review sessions to celebrate small wins, adjust strategies and keep your family well-supported along the way.
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE
Fussy eating or ARFID - how to tell them apart
It's one of the most common questions we get from parents. Here's a simple guide - though we always recommend speaking to a specialist if you're unsure.
Fussy Eating
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Common in toddlers and young children
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Involves disliking certain foods but eating a reasonably varied diet
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Usually improves gradually over time with exposure
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Mealtimes can be tricky but don't typically cause significant distress
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Growth and nutrition are generally not affected
You don't need a formal diagnosis to access support. If your child's eating is causing stress or concern, that's reason enough to reach out.
ARFID
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Involves severely restricted food variety - often fewer than 20 foods
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Driven by sensory sensitivities, fear of choking or vomiting, or very low interest in eating
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Does not typically improve without specialist support
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Causes significant distress, anxiety or shutdowns around food and mealtimes
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Can affect growth, nutrition, and everyday social situations
IS THIS RIGHT FOR US?
Who Arfid And Fussy Eating
Support Is For
This service is suitable for children, adolescents and adults. You don't need a formal ARFID diagnosis to access support - if eating is significantly restricted and causing distress or health concerns, we can help.
Children with ARFID / Adults with ARFID / Significant fussy eating / Paediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) / Children with ASD or ADHD / Sensory-driven food restriction / Fear of choking or vomiting / Low interest in eating / Food neophobia / Limited diet affecting growth or nutrition / Restricted eating affecting social life
Note: You don't need a diagnosis to book. If eating is significantly restricted and causing concern - for your child or yourself - we're here to help.
FEES & REBATES
Understanding Your Options
Private Appointments
Our appointments are privately billed. A gap fee applies to Medicare appointments. We process rebates at the time of your appointment to keep things simple.
Rebates Available
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Medicare (CDMP) - up to 5 allied health sessions per year. Ask your GP about a Chronic Disease Management Plan.
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Medicare (EDP) - if your child has a formal ARFID diagnosis, your GP may be able to issue an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan, giving access to up to 20 rebated sessions per year.
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NDIS - we are a registered NDIS provider. Dietetics can be claimed under Capacity Building or Core Supports.
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Private health insurance - many Extras policies include dietitian cover. Check directly with your fund.
Not sure what you're eligible for? Get in touch and we'll help you work it out.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
No - though they can look similar from the outside. Fussy eating is very common in young children and usually improves over time. ARFID involves a significantly restricted food range driven by sensory sensitivities, fear or low interest in eating, and it typically doesn't resolve without specialist support. We can help you understand which presentation you're dealing with.
Not at all. We work with children of all ages, as well as adolescents and adults with longstanding food restriction. Early support tends to lead to better outcomes, but it's never too late to start.
Yes. ARFID affects people of all ages - it often starts in childhood and continues into adulthood if not addressed. We provide the same gentle, non-judgemental support for adults that we do for children.
Never. There is no pressure, no forcing and no "just try it" at any point. Sessions are entirely child-led. Progress with ARFID is measured in small, meaningful steps - and we always move at the pace your child feels comfortable with.
Yes. ARFID often benefits from a team approach. We're experienced in working as part of a multidisciplinary team and are happy to liaise with your child's OT, speech pathologist, psychologist or paediatrician with your permission.