ARFID Sensory Food Exploration Group
The ARFID Sensory Food Exploration Group offers a supportive, pressure-free environment for children to explore safe foods alongside a facilitator with lived experience of ARFID. The sessions focus on comfort, curiosity, and reducing anxiety around food.
Purpose
To create a safe, sensory-based space where children can cook, prepare, and explore foods without expectation to taste or eat. The aim is to reduce the emotional and sensory stress linked to mealtimes, helping children feel more in control of their food experiences.
Impact
Children build familiarity and confidence around food through handling, smelling, and preparing it in ways that feel comfortable. The group dynamic offers peer support, showing children they are not alone in their experiences.
Outcome
Reduced mealtime anxiety, more positive associations with safe foods, and increased willingness to engage in food-related activities without distress.
ARFID Sensory Food Exploration Group – Example Session
We start by exploring a “safe” familiar food—touching, smelling, and describing it together. A no-pressure cooking activity follows, such as making fruit kebabs or shaping soft bread dough into fun shapes. The focus is on curiosity and play—using textures, colours, and smells to build positive experiences. Children take home a simple recipe card and optional “food adventure” challenge to share with their family.
How many children will be there?
Small group – up to 4 children
What does it cost?
1-week programme – 5 × 45m sessions – £100 per child
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