Gemma Keir
Description
“This book is very close to my heart. Growing up, I faced challenges with what is now known as ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). I ha
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d many sensory issues around food and at times was terrified of eating. I developed a phobia of choking and being sick, which made me associate food with fear. Unfortunately, not many specialists linked these issues until I was older, and many mistakenly thought I had body image worries, which was never the case. Even now, I still struggle to trust food.
My son Logan, who has 22q deletion syndrome with autism and sensory processing issues, also has ARFID. He follows a very safe diet that works for him and has anxiety around food smells and textures. I wrote this book to share our experiences and create awareness about ARFID.
ARFID is a condition characterized by a very limited diet, not due to body image concerns, but because of a lack of interest in eating, avoidance based on sensory characteristics of food (such as texture, smell, taste, or appearance), or fear of aversive consequences like choking or vomiting. This book aims to make this information understandable and relatable to children, emphasizing empathy, understanding, and supportive behaviors.
Together, we hope to foster awareness and understanding around ARFID and sensory issues with food."
- Gemma Keir, author of The Abilities in Me book series
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