ADHD Mums

78. Could it be ARFID? Spotting the signs + why it’s not just fussy eating with Margo White


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If you’re constantly guessing what your child might eat today...

If even your “safe foods” aren’t safe anymore…

And if every mealtime feels like a silent panic attack - this episode is for you.

ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) isn’t about being picky or manipulative - it’s about safety. And when food feels like a threat, pressure just makes things worse.

In this raw and practical chat, Jane sits down with nutritionist and mum-of-two Margo White to talk about what’s really going on when food causes meltdowns, refusal, and shame. You’ll get a clearer picture of ARFID, understand how it connects to autism and ADHD, and walk away with real strategies you can try today - no guilt required.

We talk about:

  • The signs of ARFID (and why it’s often missed)
  • Why “just try one bite” doesn’t work - and what to do instead
  • What to do when safe foods suddenly disappear
  • How trauma, burnout, and food refusal are all connected
  • Ways to support your child (and yourself) when it all feels too hard


Whether you’re living this daily, or just starting to wonder if it’s more than fussy eating - this episode will help you feel less alone, more confident, and more in control.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Margo White

Claire Britton's ARFID episode

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MORE RESOURCES:

Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

ARFID, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, picky eating, neurodivergent eating, food refusal, sensory food aversions, food anxiety, mealtime meltdowns, feeding challenges, safe foods, food jags, ADHD and eating, autism and food, fussy eater, trauma-informed feeding, neuroaffirming nutrition, ADHD child won’t eat, ARFID strategies, lunchbox stress, school food anxiety, burnout and feeding, food rituals, feeding therapy alternatives, child gagging at food, ARFID vs picky eating, ARFID support for parents, neurodivergent mealtime strategies, feeding trauma, food and nervous system, eating struggles autism ADHD

Mentioned in this episode:

A Mum’s Guide to Supporting Your Child’s Diagnosis and Helping Others ‘Get It’

A Child’s Diagnosis: A Mum’s Guide to Support and Helping Others ‘Get It’

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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ADHD MumsBy Jane McFadden

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