Exploration of the Relationship Between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): A Literature Review

The purpose of this literature review was to provide a comprehensive summary of the relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Eight research studies published between the years 2012 and 2022 were included in the review. The studies examined various symptoms, risk factors, comorbidities, treatment options, and the prevalence of ARFID among children diagnosed with ASD. Overall, results suggested a strong correlation between having an ARFID diagnosis if already diagnosed with ASD. Additionally, it is more common to be diagnosed with ARFID in children of younger age and/or male. Potential treatment options for children dealing with ARFID are differential reinforcement alternate behaviors (DRA), various schedules of reinforcement, and treating the disorder as a resistance to change, not an eating disorder. Future research should be continued to further explain the characteristics of ARFID and find additional treatment options for children dealing with ARFID with and without an ASD diagnosis.