A Guide to Referring Children, Adolescents & Adults with: Avoidant Restrictive Intake Disorder (ARFID), Neurodivergent Eating Challenges and Eating Disorders

Helen Dean is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, Registered Counsellor and Eating Disorder Clinician providing integrated nutrition and counselling support for children, adolescents and adults.

Areas of Interest

• ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)

• Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Atypical Anorexia, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder)

• Disordered Eating & Chronic Dieting

• ADHD & Eating Challenges Autism & Sensory-Based Eating Difficulties

• Family-Based Support for Children & Adolescents

• Parent/Carer Coaching & Family Sessions

• Body Image Concerns

• Nutritional Rehabilitation & Recovery Support

When to refer

ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)	Eating Disorders	ADHD & Neurodivergent Eating Challenges
Limited range of accepted foods Significant anxiety around food Sensory sensitivities impacting intake Nutritional deficiencies Growth or weight concerns Dependence on supplements Mealtime distress or conflict	Rapid weight loss Restriction of food intake Fear of weight gain Excessive exercise Binge eating episodes Purging behaviours Food rules and rigidity Significant body image distress Please note: Eating disorders can occur at any weight. BMI alone should not determine whether a referral is warranted.	Appetite suppression related to medication Skipping meals Food hyperfocus or food avoidance Executive functioning difficulties affecting eating Sensory sensitivities Chaotic eating patterns

Services Available

Individual Support

• Nutrition assessment and intervention

• Counselling support

• Meal planning and practical strategies

• Recovery-focused care

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Family Support

• Parent coaching

• Family sessions

• Mealtime support strategies

• Guidance around reducing conflict and supporting recovery

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Collaborative Care

Regular communication with:

• General Practitioners

• Pediatricians

• Psychiatrists Psychologists

• Schools and support teams (with consent)

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Referral considerations

Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.

Consider referral if you notice:

• Weight loss or faltering growth

• Increasing food avoidance

• Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron, B12)

• Anxiety impacting eating

• Social withdrawal related to food

• Family distress around mealtimes

• Eating disorder thoughts or behaviours

Referral pathways

• Private referrals accepted

• Eating Disorder Treatment Plans

• Mental Health Treatment Plans (where appropriate)

• NDIS (self-managed and plan-managed)

• Telehealth and in-person appointments available

Why refer to Stepping Stones With Helen Dean

• Accredited Practising Dietitian

• Registered Counsellor Eating Disorder Clinician

• Family Therapy Training

• Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

• Supports Children, Adolescents and Adults

Small steps lead to big change!

Whether your patient is seeking specialised care or wants to understand their options, this guide is your first step.