Exploring ARFID Through a Neurodivergent Lens
Understanding Neurodivergence and ARFID
By Rachel Dowling, Neuro-affirming Counsellor
In my work as a neuro-affirming counsellor, I often support clients who feel overwhelmed, ashamed, or misunderstood. For many neurodivergent individuals, these challenges can be linked to a lesser-known eating disorder: ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).
Unveiling ARFID
What Is ARFID and Why It Matters
Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID isn’t about dieting or body image. It often stems from a deeply ingrained need for sensory safety, emotional regulation, or a response to past trauma involving food.
Eating disorders in the neurodivergent community are complex and often misunderstood. ARFID is frequently missed or misdiagnosed. Recognising the unique ways it shows up is essential to offering support that feels safe, not shaming.
Types of ARFID
The Three Main Types of ARFID
Avoidant – Driven by sensory sensitivities such as texture, smell, sound, or appearance of food.
Aversive – Linked to fear of choking, vomiting, or other distressing reactions.
Restrictive – Characterised by low interest in food, forgetting to eat, or challenges with executive functioning that make eating difficult or inconsistent.
Many people experience a blend of these. It’s not always one type or another.
Why ARFID is Misunderstood
Survival Strategies Behind Food Choices in Neurodivergent Clients
Creating a Safe Environment
Why It Matters in the Neurodivergent Community
So many of my clients describe “eating beige” sticking to familiar, processed foods that feel safe and predictable. This isn’t picky eating. It’s a survival strategy.
Common ARFID experiences for neurodivergent individuals include:
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Hyperfixation on one food, then complete avoidance once the interest fades
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Low interoception (difficulty noticing hunger or thirst)
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Sensory overload from the textures, smells, or preparation of certain meals
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PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) making food choices feel impossible
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Trauma responses to past incidents like choking, vomiting, or allergic reactions
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Social anxiety or fear of being judged when eating in front of others
All of these factors can seriously limit food intake, variety, and nutrition.
It’s Not About Forcing “Normal"
Building Trust in ARFID Support
One of the biggest mistakes I see is the pressure to “fix” eating by making clients eat more “normally.” But for neurodivergent individuals, what’s normal for one person can be deeply unsafe for another.
Forcing new foods or routines can backfire, reinforcing shame, overwhelm, and mistrust. Neuro-affirming therapy means adapting to the person in front of us. Not squeezing them into a neurotypical mould.
Navigating Eating Disorders with Compassion
So How Do We Support Someone With ARFID?
1.
Remove Shame
Many clients carry guilt or judgment around their eating habits. Therapy begins with full acceptance. There’s no right or wrong way to eat. Just what feels safe.
2.
Support Structure, Not Pressure
Start with small, realistic wins. One safe food from each category (protein, carbs, fibre, etc.) is a great start. You can use supplements or meal replacement drinks as support, not failure.
3.
Foster a Safe Space
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Respect sensory needs
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Make safe foods easy to access
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Never force exposure to feared foods.
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Try new foods only when the client feels brave, if not, that’s okay.
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Offer autonomy at every step.
Food is emotional. Progress might be slow, nonlinear, or messy, and that’s normal.
You Are Not Broken
Food challenges don’t mean failure.
With compassionate, neuro-affirming support, clients can rebuild trust in themselves and their bodies. It’s not about fixing. It’s about honouring and empowering the person in front of you.
Rachel Dowling
Hi, I’m Rachel – a qualified neuro-affirming counsellor and therapeutic coach with ADHD. I work with clients navigating Autism, ADHD, AuDHD, LGBTQIA+ identity, anxiety, depression, and self-acceptance.
I offer a calm, collaborative space where you can feel safe to be fully yourself, without judgment or pressure.
Want to talk?
Book a free 15-minute Zoom intro session:
https://taking-care-counselling.selectandbook.com/c/default.aspx
Website: www.takingcarecounselling.co.uk
Instagram: @taking_care_counselling
LinkedIn: Rachel Dowling
