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.

Executive function refers to a set of mental skills and processes that are responsible for guiding and regulating various cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functions. These functions help individuals plan, organise, initiate and complete tasks, make decisions, solve problems, control impulses, manage time, and switch between different activities.