¿Qué es el ARFID?

Aimee Brueck • August 25, 2025

Esto es un trastorno menos conocido como la anorexia o la bulimia. Esto es conocido por sus siglas en inglés como ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). El ARFID es caracterizado por una alimentación muy limitada, ya sea por la evitación de ciertos sabores, texturas, colores, olores o por un miedo intenso a las consecuencias de comer (como atragantarse o vomitar). ARFID no está relacionado con la imagen corporal ni el deseo de adelgazar. EL ARFID afecta la vida social del niño, no es simplemente una etapa de "comer selectivo"

¿Cómo se manifiesta?

  • Comen solo unos pocos alimentos que son "seguros"
  • Evitan completamente grupos de alimentos (frutas, vegetales, proteínas)
  • Tienen ansiedad a comidas específicas
  • Interferencia con el funcionamiento social o familiar (ansiedad extrema al comer fuera de casa o en reuniones)
  • Sienten poco o ningún interés por la comida
  • Deficiencias nutricionales, a veces necesitan suplementos nutricionales

¿Cuál es la causa?

No hay única causa, pero algunos factores de riesgo incluyen:

  • Trastornos sensoriales (es común en autismo)
  • Ansiedad o fobias relacionadas con la comida
  • Experiencias traumáticas con alimentos (atragantamiento, vómitos, alergias)
  • Problemas gastrointestinales o médicos que hacen que la comida sea incómoda o dolorosa

¿Qué es la terapia de alimentación?

La terapia de alimentación es una intervención especializada que busca ayudar a niños a desarrollar una relación más saludable con la comida. Buscamos la mejor manera a través de terapeutas ocupacionales o/y patólogos del habla y lenguaje, que también trabajan con niños con trastornos de alimentación. Usamos estrategias para reducir la ansiedad, exposición gradual, sensibilización sensorial, desarrollo de habilidades orales-motoras, y educación y participación familiar. Este proceso no es rápido, es gradual y requiere paciencia, constancia, y apoyo emocional.

Nuestro compromiso en Progressive Pediatric Therapy

En Progressive Pediatric Therapy, entendemos lo difícil que puede ser enfrentar desafíos de alimentación. Nuestro equipo está capacitado para apoyar a niños con ARFID mediante planes de terapia individualizados y compasivos. Ya sea que su hijo necesite ayuda con la exposición a nuevos alimentos, habilidades orales-motoras o apoyo sensorial, estamos aquí para acompañarlos en cada paso del proceso.

¿Cree que su hijo podría beneficiarse de la terapia de alimentación?

Contáctenos para programar una evaluación con uno de nuestros terapeutas pediátricos especializados.

Para más consejos terapéuticos, actividades para niños y recursos para familias, ¡síganos en nuestras redes sociales!

What is ARFID?

By Aimee Brueck • August 25, 2025
This is a lesser-known eating disorder compared to anorexia or bulimia. It is known by its English acronym ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). ARFID is characterized by very limited eating, either due to avoidance of certain tastes, textures, colors, smells, or an intense fear of the consequences of eating (such as choking or vomiting). ARFID is not related to body image or a desire to lose weight. ARFID affects the child’s social life—it’s not simply a phase of being a “picky eater.”

Supporting Growth with Turtle Bracing: Custom Orthotic Care for Kids

By Aimee Brueck • August 7, 2025
Children grow quickly, and with that growth come unique physical needs. Whether it’s posture, mobility, or muscle support, some children benefit from an extra layer of help to move, play, and thrive confidently. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we offer Turtle Bracing: a lightweight, flexible orthotic solution designed to support growing bodies in motion
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Crayons, Confidence & Kindergarten: Handwriting Without Tears Tips to Get Your Child Ready for School

July 31, 2025
July brings warm days, end-of-summer excitement, and for many families, the first signs of back-to-school prep. If your child is heading to kindergarten this fall, now is the perfect time to start building their confidence with handwriting. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we use the Handwriting Without Tears program to support early writers in a fun, low-pressure way that’s grounded in child development and occupational therapy expertise.

Handwriting Readiness: Helping Kids Start the School Year Strong

By Aimee Brueck • July 18, 2025
A new school year means fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils and a renewed focus on writing. But for many kids, handwriting isn’t just a subject, it’s a foundational skill that impacts how they learn, express ideas, and feel about school.
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Simple Backyard Games That Support Gross Motor Development

July 3, 2025
July brings long sunny days, school-free schedules, and endless opportunities for play, but for many families, it’s also a chance to focus on something essential: physical development through movement. Summer play isn’t just fun; it’s foundational. It helps children build strength, coordination, and confidence especially when it supports gross motor development.

Screen-Free Summer: Activities that Build Language, Strength, and Coordination

June 19, 2025
As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, summer invites children to explore, play, and grow. But with screens so easily accessible, it can be tempting to turn to tablets or TVs for entertainment. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we believe summer is a golden opportunity to engage kids in meaningful, screen-free activities that support their development—in both body and mind.

How to Prepare Your Child with Sensory Challenges for Summer Travel

June 5, 2025
Summer is a season of sunshine, adventures, and unforgettable memories. But for families of children with sensory challenges, the thought of travel can also bring anxiety and overwhelm. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we believe every child deserves the chance to enjoy summer experiences, comfortably and confidently. With a little planning and the right support, travel can be not just manageable but truly enjoyable!

Staying Safe and Making Waves: Water Safety & Aquatic Therapy for Kids

May 22, 2025
As temperatures rise and summer approaches, families across South Florida flock to the water for fun, relaxation, and play. But alongside the excitement comes an important responsibility, water safety . At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we use this time of year not only to promote safe swimming habits but also to spotlight one of our most exciting specialty services: Aquatic Therapy .

Celebrating Better Hearing and Speech Month: How Speech-Language Pathologists Help Children Thrive

May 8, 2025
May is a month of blooming possibilities and brighter days, and for those of us at Progressive Pediatric Therapy, it also marks Better Hearing and Speech Month . A time to shine a spotlight on communication and the professionals who make a lifelong difference: Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) .

Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month: How OTs Help Children Thrive

April 30, 2025
In the vibrant world of childhood development, every child learns, plays, and grows in their own unique way. But for some, everyday activities like holding a crayon, tying shoes, or interacting with peers can be challenging. That’s where the role of an Occupational Therapist becomes so important. In honor of Occupational Therapy Month , let’s take a closer look at what pediatric OTs do, how they support children’s development, and why their work matters so much.