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Rated 'Excellent' by our patients
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Identifying eating disorders in children and providing young people with the support they need is really important. At ABBI Clinic, we provide personalised and compassionate eating disorder treatment for children over the age of 13, which gives them the physical and emotional help they need and parents the reassurance that recovery can be achieved.
Eating disorders are mental health conditions that, unfortunately, do not limit their impact to adults. Children can develop the same unhealthy perceptions of food and eating that adults can, resulting in disordered eating habits that impact nutrition, daily routines, and physical and mental health.
Determining whether a child has developed an eating disorder is not always straightforward. Usual indicators such as body mass index (BMI) are difficult to measure, as young people are always growing. Instead, weight changes across a period of time can provide an indication of whether a child’s disordered eating behaviours are significant enough to impact growth and development.
At ABBI Clinic, we offer tailored treatment plans to children aged 13 years and over. Our specialist team creates personalised treatment plans that support children in the ways they need to feel safe and secure throughout their healing process. We also take steps to involve caregivers where necessary, enabling families and wider support networks to help children recover.
It can be difficult to identify when a child has developed an eating disorder. Behaviours like restrictive eating and fussy food preferences, which are common signs of conditions like ARFID, can sometimes be dismissed as normal parts of a child’s development, so being able to recognise the difference is vital for getting children the help they need.
A child may have developed a disordered relationship with food if they express an unusual obsession with how much food they eat or how their body looks. This can take the form of asking about calorie contents, expressing shame about how much they have eaten, or not wanting to eat when other people are present.
One of the most common signs of an eating disorder is irregular eating habits, and this also applies to children. If children establish very strict rules about when they can eat, eat very little after eating a lot, or only eat when they are alone, they might have developed a pattern of behaviours that they need help with.
A common sign for disorders like bulimia nervosa is the habit of individuals to make themselves sick after eating. This sign might also occur after a child has eaten a large amount of food in a short period of time.
Children with an eating disorder may find that they can’t control the quantity or speed of their food consumption. This behaviour can be surprising to them, and they can often feel strong guilt or shame afterwards.
Children who regularly complain of being too cold, too tired, or dizzy might experience these symptoms due to malnutrition caused by an eating disorder.
For many parents and carers, it can be distressing to consider that their children might be living with an eating disorder. At ABBI Clinic, we know that developing these conditions is unfortunately more common than many might first think, and families of affected individuals should not feel as though they are alone in their experience.
NHS data shows that the rate of children with possible eating problems is rising steadily. Trends like these demonstrate a clear need for timely specialist treatment, and that’s why clinics like ABBI are so important for helping children access the eating disorder treatment they need.
As with adults, children can develop eating disorders for a combination of complex, interconnected reasons. There is no single reason why these conditions occur, but some of the most common risk factors include:
• Pressure and expectations from family about eating behaviours
• Bullying about body image or weight
• Peer pressure to eat a certain amount
• Emotional instability during adolescence
• Life disruption caused by changes in school, family breakdown, and friendship losses
• Genetic predispositions
Parents can often feel powerless when they learn that their child has an eating disorder. Whether they are displaying the first signs of disordered eating or are receiving treatment at a specialist clinic, you may find it difficult to recognise how best to offer support and guidance.
Children who develop eating disorders can find it difficult to talk about their experiences. They can often become withdrawn, become irritated easily, or find it difficult to regulate their emotions, but maintaining open channels of communication is really important.
While they might not want to talk right away, making your child aware that you are available and willing to listen to their feelings and experiences can be pivotal for recovery.
These conversations might be challenging at first, but a patient, calm approach always works best. Steer clear of discussing their appearance or diet, and retain a blameless, open tone to help them express themselves more confidently.
Every parent wants to support their child, but what you might not realise is that there are so many available ways to express your commitment to the recovery process.
You may want to take the time to learn as much as you can about a particular eating disorder, offer much-needed support for small wins and steps towards recovery, and serve as a clear role model by being open and honest about your emotions and experiences.
What also cannot be overestimated is the impact that expressing love and support to a child can have on their recovery. Being a constant source of positivity and understanding goes a long way.
It isn’t easy to watch your child or loved one live with an eating disorder. At ABBI Clinic, we always want to support our patients and their families as much as possible, so we encourage parents to look after themselves and maintain healthy routines in order to support their children as consistently as they can.
A child’s experience of an eating disorder is unique, and treatment must be tailored to their age, developmental stage, and individual circumstances. A family-centred approach is central to our work with younger patients, and your child’s plan may include:
Individual therapy gives your child dedicated one-to-one time with a specialist psychological therapist experienced in working with children and young people. Sessions provide a safe and age-appropriate space to explore the thoughts and feelings connected to their eating difficulties.
Group therapy brings your child together with others of a similar age in a structured, facilitated, and supportive environment. Sessions are carefully designed for younger patients and focus on building skills, reducing anxiety around food, and developing positive peer connections.
Family therapy can be a core element of treatment for children with eating disorders. Sessions involve parents and carers in understanding your child’s difficulties, developing consistent and supportive approaches at mealtimes, and strengthening the family’s ability to support recovery at home.
A specialist eating disorder dietitian will work with your child and family to address nutritional needs, support healthy growth and development, and rebuild a positive and flexible relationship with food. Sessions are adapted to be accessible and appropriate for younger patients.
Supported mealtimes are a central part of Day Care treatment for children and young people. Eating in a calm, structured group environment with clinical support present helps to normalise mealtimes and reduce the anxiety that often surrounds eating for this age group.
A Consultant Psychiatrist will be involved in your child’s assessment and will provide ongoing clinical oversight throughout their treartment programme. This includes assessment of any co-occurring conditions, consideration of medication where appropriate, and regular review of progress.
Our mental health nursing team provides careful physical health monitoring for all younger patients, including regular weight monitoring and medical observations. Nurses are present throughout treatment, providing reassurance and clinical support for both children and their families.
Looking to learn more about eating disorders in children? Find answers to our most commonly asked questions here, or reach out to get in touch with a member of our expert team.
Yes, children are welcome to meet with a member of the ABBI team before they start treatment. This typically happens during their initial assessment, which can be a great opportunity to discuss treatment options and any worries or concerns you or your child might have.
Every situation is different, but our eating disorder treatments can be tailored to ensure young people can continue with their education as they get support.
Young people can develop eating disorders due to a combination of different genetic, psychological, sociocultural, and environmental factors. We know that it’s normal to wonder why your child has developed their condition, and understanding this is a key part of treatment. It is also important to focus on how you can best support your loved one and address causal factors with openness and empathy.
Taking the first step is often the hardest part. Whether you have questions about our treatment programmes, want to understand your funding options, or are ready to arrange an assessment, we are here to help.
Fill in the form below, or call us, and we’ll guide you through the next steps.
