ARFID support and diagnostic assessments

 

If you would like to read more about ARFID, the common symptoms of ARFID can be found here

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We offer both initial clinical assessments and formal diagnostic assessments for ARFID.

An initial clinical assessment focuses on understanding the nature of the difficulties and identifying appropriate support.

A diagnostic assessment is a more in-depth process involving a multidisciplinary team, which determines whether the criteria for ARFID are met and results in a formal diagnosis and report.

​​​Clinical assessments can also contribute to EHCP applications where appropriate.

 

Assessments include a clinical session (delivered remotely or face to face), review of any previous reports, and a detailed follow-up report with recommendations.

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Clinical Assessment options

 

We offer three clinical assessment pathways, depending on clinical needs:

 

Clinical Psychologist assessment (£200)

Suitable for individuals who already have dietetic input, or where dietetic support is no longer required, and there are no concerns regarding chewing or swallowing.

Includes:

• Assessment with a Clinical Psychologist

• Report with recommendations

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Clinical Psychologist and Dietitian assessment (£400)

Delivered across two appointments, this option is suitable where there are no chewing or swallowing difficulties but additional nutritional input is required.

Includes:

• Assessment with a Clinical Psychologist

• Assessment with a Dietitian

• Integrated report with recommendations

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Multidisciplinary assessment (£900)

Recommended for children and young people with more complex needs, including medical factors or difficulties with chewing or swallowing. This assessment is typically delivered in a single extended session and involves a Clinical Psychologist, Dietitian and Speech and Language Therapist.

Includes:

• Multidisciplinary assessment session

• Review of previous reports

• Pre-submitted video of the child eating (for assessment of feeding skills)

• Comprehensive report with recommendations​​

 

 

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Some families find it helpful to have a formal diagnosis of ARFID. In our experience, having this formally recognised can support other professionals and schools to better understand the difficulties and provide more appropriate support. However, a formal diagnosis is not required in order to access our other support services or clinical assessments.

 

To begin the assessment process, confirmation is required from your GP that the feeding and eating difficulties are not primarily due to a physical or medical condition (although medical factors may still be part of the overall picture for some children). We can request this information from your GP on your behalf, although GPs will usually charge a fee for providing this. Where medical causes have not yet been ruled out, we can also refer to our private paediatrician to support further investigation.

 

In line with current research and clinical guidelines, ARFID assessments are completed by a multidisciplinary team. At Wren Psychology, this typically includes a Clinical Psychologist and Dietitian, with input from a Speech and Language Therapist where required. Assessments involve the use of evidence-based tools and are completed across either two sessions or a single extended session. These can be delivered remotely or face to face at our clinic.

 

Following the assessment, the multidisciplinary team will meet to determine whether diagnostic criteria for ARFID are met. A detailed report is then produced, including personalised recommendations for support (these are provided regardless of whether a diagnosis is confirmed). A feedback session is arranged to discuss the findings and provide you with the report.

 

Diagnostic Assessment options

 

We offer two types of ARFID diagnostic assessment, depending on clinical needs:

 

Standard ARFID assessment (£700)

Suitable for individuals without significant chewing or swallowing difficulties or complex medical conditions. This includes:

• A session with a Clinical Psychologist

• A separate session with a Dietitian

 

Extended ARFID assessment (£900)

Recommended where there are chewing or swallowing difficulties or more complex medical presentations. This includes:

• A longer joint session with a Clinical Psychologist, Dietitian and Speech and Language Therapist

 

If you have already attended an initial consultation, £100 will be deducted from the total assessment cost.

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We provide psychological support for ARFID and severely restricted eating and feeding for children and young people, as well as their families. Support is tailored to individual needs and may include:

 

• Psychoeducation and practical strategies for parents, with review appointments to monitor progress

• Individual therapeutic support for the child or young person, including cognitive behavioural approaches and/or graded exposure programmes

• Liaison and recommendations for professionals involved in the child’s care, such as schools

• Ongoing dietetic support and speech and language therapy, where appropriate

• Ongoing psychological support, SLT support or dietetic review for feeding difficulties (with or without an ARFID diagnosis) £120 per session

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