ARFID Circle

🌟 ARFID: It's More Than Picky Eating 🌟 Did you know that ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is a serious eating disorder that affects how people interact with food? Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID isn’t linked to body image or weight concerns. Instead, it often stems from: 💡 Extreme sensory sensitivities (e.g., texture, smell, or taste). 💡 Fear of food due to past choking, vomiting, or allergic reactions. 💡 A lack of interest in eating altogether. For those living with ARFID, everyday tasks like meals can bring immense stress, anxiety, and even physical health consequences like malnutrition, low energy, and delayed growth (in children). 💛 What Can You Do? 1️⃣ Be patient and nonjudgmental. ARFID is not a choice. 2️⃣ Educate yourself about the disorder to better support loved ones. 3️⃣ Encourage those affected to seek professional help (therapists, dietitians, or ARFID specialists). 4️⃣ Spread awareness to help break the stigma around lesser-known eating disorders. Together, we can build a world that is more understanding, supportive, and compassionate. 💙 Share this post to raise awareness about ARFID and show support for those living with it. 💙 #ARFID #ARFIDCircle #EatingDisorderAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #ARFIDSupport #BreakTheStigma

🧩 Autism and Eating Disorders: Don’t Confuse the Two 🚫🍽️ When supporting someone who shows signs of both autism and an eating disorder, it’s crucial to recognize that while these conditions can coexist, they are distinct in their presentation, motivation, and treatment needs. ⚠️ Confusing the two can lead to ineffective—or even harmful—interventions. 🔍 Key Differences: Autism: Rigidity is often about sensory comfort, predictability, and routine. It’s a coping strategy for navigating a sensory-overwhelming world. The approach is acceptance to meet ones' preferences. Eating Disorders: Rigidity is driven by fear. It becomes one way some can deal with anxiety and distorted beliefs about food and body image. The approach is to challenge the distortions and behaviors. 👥 A tailored, nuanced approach that addresses both the sensory needs of autism and the fear-based rules of an eating disorder is key to effective support. They are not to be confused! 💬 Let’s work together to provide the right kind of care for those who need it most. 💜 #mentalhealth #awareness #autism #donoharm #ethics #eatingdisorders

New ARFID Research. When we first realized our kids were struggling. The doctor, nutritiontists etc did not know what was happening, we heard terms picky eating and fussy stage. I always used to say ‘No listen this is extreme you should be studying them’. Now this team is actually studying the brain to see if there any differences in the brain and guess what!! I was ahead of the curve! Mum always know best!! Article Summary… ARFID is known to have a significant impact on physical and psychological wellbeing, but it was only in 2013 that it was formally recognised in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Now an international team of scientists from the Netherlands, Australia, the USA and the UK, led by the University of Aberdeen, has identified structural brain differences in children who show symptoms of ARFID. Dr Michelle Sader, a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Aberdeen working on the Eating Disorders and Autism Collaborative (EDAC) research network (EDACResearch.co.uk), said: “Many people may experience fussy eating at some point in their lives, while Individuals with ARFID experience severe health and psychological consequences resulting from their disordered eating. https://lnkd.in/eEXW5B3R

📢 To the Autistic Women Navigating Eating Disorders: You Are Not Alone 💜 Living with both autism and an eating disorder can feel like balancing on a tightrope—especially when your sensory needs are misunderstood or dismissed as part of the eating disorder. But your sensory needs are real, and they deserve to be heard. 🌈 ✨ You Deserve Comfort: The texture of foods, the sounds in the dining environment, even the way your clothes feel while eating—these are not just preferences. They are valid sensory experiences that impact your well-being. Honor them. ✨ Self-Awareness Is Your Superpower: Recognizing what feels overwhelming or soothing for you is the first step toward self-compassion and healing. Take time to notice patterns. Is a food too crunchy? Is the lighting too harsh? Naming the discomfort can help you advocate for change. ✨ Advocacy is Empowering: Speak up for what you need. Whether it’s asking for quieter meal spaces, softer lighting, or foods that align with your sensory preferences, your voice matters. And remember: advocating for your needs is not an “excuse” or a symptom of the eating disorder—it’s a step toward thriving. ✨ Coping Tools for Balance: Use grounding strategies like holding a weighted object or deep breathing before meals to ease sensory overwhelm. Create a “calm kit” for challenging moments—items like noise-canceling headphones, a familiar texture, or calming visuals can make a big difference. Practice self-affirmations: “My needs are valid, and it’s okay to ask for support.” 💡 To those who support you: Listen without judgment. Trust her lived experience. Be willing to adapt and learn. Supporting her sensory needs isn’t enabling the eating disorder; it’s empowering her recovery. You’re not just surviving this dual challenge—you’re learning to thrive with self-awareness, advocacy, and care. And you don’t have to walk this path alone. 🌟 💬 Let’s talk: What sensory accommodations have made a difference in your journey? Share below to inspire others. 💬 #AutisticWomen #EatingDisorderRecovery #SensoryNeedsMatter #AdvocateForYourself #YouAreNotAlone

Be sure to take time to Thank those who support you on your ARFID journey. I for one are so grateful for them. #arfidcircle #arfidawareness #arfidacceptance #disorderedeatingsupport

Reframe holidays to make the focus not all be about food. #arfid #arfidcircle #disorderedeating

Exactly. Lets help our youth!

🌟 Did you know? While grocery store outings are often suggested as part of eating disorder treatment, this approach isn’t always helpful for neurodivergent folks. 🧠 For many, grocery stores are a sensory overload—bright lights, loud sounds, overwhelming smells—all of which can be challenging regardless of an eating disorder diagnosis. 🛒💻 Choosing to shop online or opting out of in-person grocery trips can be an important step in managing sensory overload. It’s not avoidance of the eating disorder; it’s supporting mental well-being in a way that works best for the individual. Let’s broaden our view of recovery support and make space for neurodivergent needs. 💜 #NeurodivergentAndProud #EatingDisorderRecovery #AffirmingCare #Neurodiversity #MentalHealthAwareness

An invitation to a birthday party should generate excitement. For a child with ARFID, it might cause dread, even for parents we are faced with the worry of how our child will do. Hands up who has taken their kids to multiple birthday parties over the years and makes excuses for why their child always refuses the cake? Do not even start on the pizza! We see you! #arfidcircle #arfid #arfidawareness #arfidsupport #eatingdisorders #cakephobia

ARFID is hard no matter what day of the week. While most people enjoy and plan life around meals. Having an ARFID kiddo makes it more challenging. ARFID kids tend to prefer non healthy or less healthy foods. As a caregiver feelings of shame often come with this. Feed is best it doesn’t make it easy. We see you! 💙 #arfid #arfidcircle #disorderedeating