Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a complex eating challenge that is often misunderstood and misrepresented. For neurodivergent people, ARFID is not simply about "picky eating"; it is a deeply personal and nuanced experience shaped by sensory sensitivities, trauma, and the need for safety and control around food. While Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy are commonly recommended treatments, these approaches can sometimes cause harm when they fail to honour the individual’s unique needs and lived experiences.

This blog explores why traditional approaches may not work for ARFID and offers neuro-affirming, compassionate strategies to support clients in their journey toward a healthier relationship with food.

What questions to ask a potential therapist to see if they are actually ADHD/Autism affirming?

As an AuDHD therapist, I’ve been on both sides of things when it comes to therapy. I’m a big believer that we as therapists need to continue doing our own work, so always promote therapists going to a therapist (but that can be a topic for another day).