Listening to Families Videos

Ursula McCulloch Consultant Clinical Psychologist – Paediatric Feeding team explains what ARFID is and notes the impacts that ARFID can have on children. She notes that ARFID may affect 5% of children.

Ursula McCulloch Consultant Clinical Psychologist – Paediatric Feeding team explains the difference between ARFID and Fussy or Picky eating and the different behaviours associated with each. She notes that when nutritional needs are not being met is when concerns arise.

Ursula McCulloch Consultant Clinical Psychologist – Paediatric Feeding team explains that ARFID is a complex issue – notes that children with ARFID often have sensory issues, some are super tasters. She talks about other factors that might lead to a negative experience of some foods. She talks about nutritional issues and also when a child is showing extreme distress when specific foods are presented.

Ursula McCulloch Consultant Clinical Psychologist – Paediatric Feeding team talks about what to do and what not to do. She identifies a number of approaches that don’t help – reinforce the problem. She shares strategies that parents can you use that will help.

Ursula McCulloch Consultant Clinical Psychologist – Paediatric Feeding team explains why it’s important that a parent addresses concerns. She notes the impacts that ARFID can have including impact on physical health, mental wellbeing and social interaction.

Ursula McCulloch Consultant Clinical Psychologist – Paediatric Feeding team explains what food jag is – children tire of eating the same food over and over again. She notes that there is a risk that children then lose that food from their diet. She shares strategies to ensure children continue to eat a range of foods.

Ursula McCulloch Consultant Clinical Psychologist – Paediatric Feeding team explains that vitamin and mineral deficiencies can impact on various parts of the body. She notes the importance of involving the General Practitioner.

Ursula McCulloch Consultant Clinical Psychologist – Paediatric Feeding team notes that food is such a complete sensory experience – look, texture, smell. She explains the role of the senses when engaging with children with ARFID.

Ursula McCulloch Consultant Clinical Psychologist – Paediatric Feeding team talks about managing ARFID in the school environment. She notes that being “forceful” doesn’t work. She explains the importance of working with the school to ensure that the student eats their food – discusses school camp.

Ursula McCulloch Consultant Clinical Psychologist – Paediatric Feeding team notes that ARFID is present in the general population. ARFID can develop from an early age – some children outgrow it, others don’t.

Ursula McCulloch Consultant Clinical Psychologist – Paediatric Feeding team talks about how rewards can be used in a positive way. She notes that food should not be used as a reward. She gives examples of rewards that work.

Ursula McCulloch Consultant Clinical Psychologist – Paediatric Feeding team notes the importance of parents not giving up on the child’s exposure to food. She talks about maintaining a positive, fun relationship with the child and food.

Heidi Brace Adolescent Family Therapist – Eating Disorder Service explains the difference between an eating disorder and disorder eating. She talks about the main eating disorders including anorexia and bulimia. Heidi also discusses BMI.

Heidi Brace Adolescent Family Therapist – Eating Disorder Service notes the early signs of an eating disorder. She identifies three areas to watch out for - physical changes, psychological changes and behavioural changes. She identifies some “myths” that need to be addressed.

Heidi Brace Adolescent Family Therapist – Eating Disorder Service identifies behaviour and signs that indicate that a child may have an eating disorder. Differentiating between normal adolescent behaviour and eating disorder related behaviours.

Heidi Brace Adolescent Family Therapist – Eating Disorder Service notes the importance of involving the General Practitioner and talks about preparing for the appointment. She recommends that parents get a second opinion if feeling concerns are not being heard. She explains the steps available for the General Practitioner including working with the child and family or a referral on to specialist services.

Heidi Brace Adolescent Family Therapist – Eating Disorder Service explains the impact on the brain of a young person that results from an eating disorder. She talks about the important role that parents play in helping their child.

Heidi Brace Adolescent Family Therapist – Eating Disorder Service talks about the importance of language. The child has anorexia the child is not anorexic - separating the person from the condition. This approach enables a discussion.

Heidi Brace Adolescent Family Therapist – Eating Disorder Service stresses the importance of eating regularly. She notes that adolescents need to be eating every 2 to 3 hrs during the day - 3 meals and 3 snacks. She talks about breaking the cycle of an eating disorder.

Heidi Brace Adolescent Family Therapist – Eating Disorder Service dealing with the internal voice that drives the compensatory behaviour. She shares strategies for post meal times.

Heidi Brace Adolescent Family Therapist – Eating Disorder Service explains how an eating disorder “tricks” the brain – the eating disorder voice. The talks about the importance of language – avoiding the use of the word “fat”.

Heidi Brace Adolescent Family Therapist – Eating Disorder Service shares ideas on how to respond to comments from extended family and notes how tough these comments can be on children. She refers to the “myths” and talks about the inappropriate but well intentioned comments that can harm. She talks about confidentiality. She notes that being prepared can make it easier to respond.

Heidi Brace Adolescent Family Therapist – Eating Disorder Service talks about REDS – reduced energy deficiency syndrome. She talks about the impact that high performance sport can have on young bodies – particularly females. She notes the importance of talking with the coach and PE teacher.

Heidi Brace Adolescent Family Therapist – Eating Disorder Service notes the huge impact that an eating disorder has on all members of the family and on relationships. She talks about strategies that work for the student at school and how parents can help.

Rebecca Barnard Occupational Therapist and Sophie Hall Dietitian share ideas for encouraging, not getting, a child to eat dinner. They note the importance of creating a stress free space for the family to share dinner and discuss ways to deal with indviduals preferences.

Rebecca Barnard Occupational Therapist and Sophie Hall Dietitian talk about binge eating and suggest the use of a 48 hr menu. They respond to concerns that a child is not getting enough nourishment, what to do if a parent is worried and the use of supplements and fortified food.

Rebecca Barnard Occupational Therapist and Sophie Hall Dietitian note that if a parent is concerned about a lack of weight gain they should contact the General Practitioner. They explain the services available from private and public providers and discuss the referral processes.

Rebecca Barnard Occupational Therapist and Sophie Hall Dietitian explain what ARFID is. They note that a diagnosis is not required to access services. They note the information available on the HealthInfo website (link provided) and discuss factors that impact on outcomes.

Rebecca Barnard Occupational Therapist and Sophie Hall Dietitian talk about options involving home visits, working with families in their environment and strategies that families can use. They note the use of tweaks rather than major change to make a difference

Rebecca Barnard Occupational Therapist and Sophie Hall Dietitian explain what factors could potentially lead to long term health impacts. They discuss research on whether eating issues might be linked to genetic factors or occur because of observed behaviours. They talk about time lines for eating phases and possible red flags.

Rebecca Barnard Occupational Therapist and Sophie Hall Dietitian talk about when a child will only eat their preferred food. They explain what to do when the child says “I can’t eat that”

Rebecca Barnard Occupational Therapist and Sophie Hall Dietitian discuss strategies to engage with grandparents. The talk about responding to the “in my day” comments and well intentioned advice.

Rebecca Barnard Occupational Therapist and Sophie Hall Dietitian and Sharleen reflect on key points raised in the discussion. They share key messages including the importance of consistency, having realistic goals and parents not being hard on themselves.