Food Refusal and Avoidant Eating in Children, including those with Autism Spectrum Conditions

Dr Elizabeth Shea is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who has worked with autistic and neurodivergent individuals with eating challenges for 25 years. She specialises in the understanding and management of Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Pica (eating of non-foods) and Rumination Disorder. Dr Shea has completed research in these areas, has extensive clinical expertise, delivers training across the UK and Ireland and has written two commissioned books. Her work has also featured several times on the BBC and ITV. Dr Shea has held several senior NHS positions and regularly works with statutory, voluntary and community sector enterprises including as Advisor to the National Autistic Society (NAS).

Harris and Shea have produced a fantastic resource for parents and professionals alike. Not only does this book give great advice to help children with food refusal and avoidant eating, but also covers the evidence base about the reasons underlying these behaviours in an accessible and enlightening way.

• Acknowledgments; Introduction; PART I. Introduction To Part 1; 1. The Early Stages; 2. Neophobia; The Onset Of The Fear Of New And Different Foods; 3. Sensory Factors And How These Affect Food Acceptance; 4. The Disgust Response And The Development Of Avoidant Eating; 5. Appetite And Appetite Regulation; 6. What Is Avoidant And Restrictive Food Intake Disorder?; PART II. Introduction To Part 2; 7. Managing The Environment Around The Child; 8. Is The Child Reasdy To Move On?; 9. What Doesn't Work And Why; 10. Interventions With The Younger Child; 11. Interventions With The Older Child; 12. What Else Might Be Going Wrong?; Bibliography; Resources