A mum who claims that doctors labelled her son a “fussy eater” following a bout of vomiting has revealed that it was actually a “life-threatening” disorder.
And currently, there is no cure.
Jodie Morris’ son, Jae, had just finished recovering from a stomach bug when the 32-year-old noticed how the boy, who usually couldn’t stop eating, was quickly losing a lot of weight.
READ MORE: Doctor shares eight morning habits to ‘reset’ the gut – including stinky toilet check
Concerned, she spoke with his school and it was soon found that Jae was hiding his food, and also avoided going to friends’ houses for tea or parties.
Jodie, from Wales, was shocked to find out that the stomach bug her child had suffered had developed into something much worse – a rare, potentially life-threatening, psychological condition called AFRID.
“I was so worried as to why this was happening,” the university student told Need To Know.
“I tried [all I could] to get to the bottom of it.
“Parties became very stressful as Jae would stay clear of the area that the food was in.
“And I was [completely concerned] about his health.”
Jae, aged six, had struggled to keep anything down for at least a week when the stomach virus took hold.
He then returned to school after a few days, though still felt nauseous by the sight or smell of grub.
The school tried letting him eat lunch in the classroom to see if that helped but nothing appeared to work.
Jodie began giving Jae supplement drinks to ensure he wouldn’t lose too much weight or fall ill.
She swiftly took him to the doctors, who referred him to the child and adolescent mental health services (CAHMS) and he was also seen by a paediatric dietician.
The mum said: “They didn’t have enough specialist knowledge to deal with eating issues related to trauma.
“That’s why he needed specialist help from CAHMS.
“But there was a waitlist.
“When he began struggling to go to school and started falling behind, I took matters into my own hands and went private.”
Jodie forked out an undisclosed amount to see a private paediatric dietician in order to get Jae the help he needed.
He was diagnosed with avoidant or restrictive food intake disorder (AFRID) in June 2024.
The condition, which is often labelled as “fussy eating”, is a form of eating disorder that isn’t directly linked to trying to lose weight or alter body image.
As it’s a fairly new discovery, there’s little-to-no research.
It’s believed Jae’s case stems from the trauma relating to the sickness bug.
Now, even though his diet is very limited – and varies on a daily basis – he’s started eating again.
Jae, who started receiving help from CAHMS following his diagnosis, continues to get “great support” from them while his battle continues.
Jodie added: “He’s being seen by mental health and eating disorder experts to help him overcome this.
“And we’re still using supplement drinks for nutrients.
“I can’t take him to the supermarket, as he hates being around food, and he’s very isolated.
“Right now, it’s about calming his anxiety and working on redeveloping a healthy relationship with food again.
“It will take time, though I know he will get there.
“There needs to be a lot more awareness [for AFRID].
“[I fear] this will have an impact on his anxiety around sick and being sick.
“And currently, he is unable to attend school due to his issues with anxiety.
“Don’t give up until you get the support you need for your child.
“As a parent, you know your child best.”
READ MORE: ‘My baby was born with a bubble on his forehead and had to fight for his life – he’s a true miracle’
