Fussy Eating
Why does fussy eating happen?
“Fussy eating rarely has a single cause,” says Melbourne Dietitian Vanessa Krynicki.
“It can often arise from sensory sensitivities, where the texture, colour, smell or temperature of food causes distress or from anxiety and negative past experiences with food.”1
She says fussy eating isn’t a problem to fix overnight, it’s a phase most kids move through at their own pace.
“My best advice for parents is to stay relaxed and keep offering a variety of foods without pressure and remember that one bite or even just a sign of curiosity today is a win!”
Vanessa says the condition is significantly linked to neurodivergence: children with autism and those with ADHD frequently experience heightened sensory responses, making certain foods feel overwhelming or unexpected.2
Studies estimate that around 21% of people with autism experience ARFID in their lifetime, and around 26% of those diagnosed with ARFID will also have ADHD.3
For others, fussy eating is a matter of selective food choice. Some people who follow vegan, vegetarian, or carnivore diets have strong preferences shaped by ethics, culture, or health beliefs rather than any disorder.
“These individuals are not fussy eaters in the clinical sense,” says Vanessa.
“Fussy eating exists on a spectrum, and understanding where someone sits on that spectrum is the first step toward meaningful support.”
What are the symptoms of fussy eating?
- Eating a limited number of “safe” foods such as pasta, dairy, sweet and salty foods (snacks like bread, crackers, toast). The common thread is beige, crunchy or soft not mushy, foods need to be mild-tasting and most of all familiar.
- Refusing entire food groups, colours or textures.
- Texture is important and fussy eaters often prefer uniform food rather than chunk casseroles.
- Insisting on specific brands, presentations or preparation methods.
- Withdrawal from situations involving food, such as school lunches, family dinners, dining out.
- Slow growth, weight loss, or vomiting when consuming certain foods.
- Gagging, retching, or vomiting when consuming foods.
- Distress or anxiety at mealtimes or when presented with new foods.
Not all symptoms are present in every case, some individuals may display several without having ARFID. An assessment from a dietitian can help determine what’s going on.
What is unique about ARFID?
Most children go through phases of fussy eating.
Behaviours such as occasionally refusing vegetables, demanding a certain meal often or refusing to eat dinner are a normal part of development as children establish independence and personal preference.
It can be frustrating but typically resolves over time and does not significantly affect growth or health.
ARFID is unique as it does not manifest as occasional behaviours, but is instead characterised by persistent avoidance or restriction of food based on sensory features, fear of adverse consequences (such as illness or vomiting), or a general lack of interest in food. An important distinction between ARFID and feeding and restrictive eating disorders is that it is not driven by body image or health concerns.4
Should I make separate meals for children who are fussy eaters?
This is a common dilemma parents face.
Making entirely separate meals can be challenging and unsustainable, and may inadvertently reinforce avoidant eating patterns.
However, withdrawing “safe” foods completely can increase anxiety and worsen the situation.
A balanced approach typically works best: including at least one “safe food” your child accepts alongside a family meal is an effective strategy for introducing new foods into their diet.
How can I support a fussy eater?
Avoid pressure.
Chain foods together.
Share meals.
Maintain routines.
Seek professional support.
Fussy eating or ARFID is unlikely to resolve itself if it is causing significant distress or nutritional damage. Early intervention can produce better outcomes.5,6
Have fun at meal times.
“Kids eat with their imagination before they eat with their fork, and neophobia (fear of the new) is very common with young children, who sometimes have to try a food 10 or 20 times before they get used to it.”
Are vegans, vegetarians or omnivores “fussy eaters”?
No, choosing to follow a vegan, vegetarian or other dietary pattern based on ethics, culture, health or religion is not classified as fussy eating.
These are deliberate, values-based choices and do not reflect the symptoms of fussy eating or ARFID.
Where such diets may become relevant is if a restriction becomes very narrow, anxiety-derived or nutritionally compromising, at which point dietetic support around nutrition and eating is appropriate.
Why choose a mobile dietitian?
- No travel stress – we come to you.
- NDIS registered provider – supporting agency-managed, plan-managed, and self-managed participants.
- We also support Support at Home (SaH) clients (previously Home Care Packages), DVA, TCA, Medicare CDM, and private clients.
Conditions we see
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Coeliac Disease
- Crohn’s Disease
- Dysphagia / Texture-Modified Diets
- Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2 & Gestational)
- Fatty Liver Disease
- Fussy Eating
- Food Intolerance
- GERD
- Gut Issues (e.g. Constipation, Diarrhoea)
- Malnutrition
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Vegan & Vegetarian Nutrition
- Weight Gain
- Weight Loss
Disabilities we support
- Anxiety & Depression
- Acquired Brain Injury
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Bipolar Disorder
- Down Syndrome
- Global Development Delay
- Huntington’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Motor Neurone Disease
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Spina Bifida
*Not limited to
Our dietitians are all accredited practising dietitians. We proudly support NDIS participants and charge below NDIS pricing.
Mobile Services
- Aged Care Nutrition
- Residential Aged Care
- Support at Home (SaH) Dietitian (previously Home Care Package (HCP) Dietitian)
- Chronic Disease Management (CDM)
- Disability Nutrition
- Kilojoule-Controlled Meal Plans
- NDIS Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)
- Reports for NDIS Funding Decisions
- Supported Independent Living (SIL) / Group Homes
- Texture-Modified & Dysphagia Diets
- Telehealth Available Statewide
Service Areas
We proudly service all Melbourne metropolitan suburbs including eastern, western, northern, southern and inner city areas.
This includes
- Broadmeadows
- Mill Park
- Werribee
- Melton
- Dandenong
- Cranbourne
- Noble Park
- Croydon
- Ringwood
- Lilydale
We provide our services at our clients homes, SIL homes, SDA homes, respite accommodation and residential aged care homes.
