The phrase "Fed is Best" is often used in the infant feeding world, but it applies just as much to people with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and other feeding differences. In a society that places so much moral value on food choices, it can be easy to get caught up in what someone “should” be eating rather than focusing on the most important goal—ensuring they are eating enough.

In this episode of Paved with Gold, I talk about ARFID (Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake).

Navigating the holiday season can be challenging for many neurodivergent individuals due to sensory overload, changes in routine, and social expectations that come with gatherings and celebrations.

The intersection between Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a complex area within eating disorders. Anorexia and ARFID can coexist or be misidentified as one another, making treatment and support more challenging.

Show notes and podcast link

Have you been at a gathering lately where a family member has made a well-meaning comment about your child’s food and it’s rubbed you the wrong way and left you and your child feeling uncomfortable, angry, misunderstood, frustrated or even traumatised?

I’ve come up with a few strategies to help you handle these uncomfortable situations and better support both you and your child.

RSD is an extreme emotional response to perceived or actual rejection or criticism, often experienced by Autistic people and ADHDers.

Both HSD and hEDS can frequently co-occur with Neurodivergence. While research is limited, it is beginning to link Neurodivergence and hypermobility more.

The HTMA is a safe, scientific and analytical test used to assess the mineral content within hair strands. The analysis will show the concentrations of minerals and metals that have accumulated in the hair over the last 1-3 months.

Do friends or family weigh in on you or your child’s eating habits? This can be really tough to navigate and can cause a lot of anxiety and shame around mealtimes. I've come up with a couple of scripts to help you navigate this time. I hope they are helpful.

Firstly ARFID is not just “picky eating”, it is a multifaceted eating disorder and neurodivergence characterised by severe food avoidance or restriction. ARFID can originate from anxiety, fear of food and/or eating, past trauma, sensory processing differences (involving texture, taste, and smell), or variations in executive functioning.