Contact’s ARFID podcast episode tells one mum’s powerful story

4 mins read

Wednesday 18 February 2026

Contact’s latest podcast episode featuring ARFID awareness advocate Michelle Jacques is shining a spotlight on Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) – a complex and often misunderstood eating disorder affecting children and young people across the UK.

In the episode, Michelle shares her family’s journey as her autistic son developed increasingly restrictive eating from early childhood. What began as sensory sensitivities progressed to a severely limited diet, bringing years of anxiety and battles to get medical support.

Michelle speaks candidly about the emotional toll on the whole family, the frustration of having concerns dismissed as ‘fussy eating’, and the daily challenges ARFID brings – from school and social events to holidays and hospital visits.

But the conversation is also one of hope. Michelle explains how removing pressure around food, focusing on happiness, and accessing appropriate medical support has helped transform her son’s health and wellbeing.

Michelle’s advice for parents navigating ARFID

Drawing on her lived experience, Michelle shared several key messages for other parents in the episode.

Find community

Connecting with other parents who truly understand can reduce isolation and provide practical strategies – Michelle has provided some signposting to support groups below.

Trust your instincts

If you feel your child’s eating difficulties are more than typical picky eating, pursue answers. Early intervention matters.

Remove pressure around food

For many children with ARFID – particularly neurodivergent children – pressure can worsen anxiety and restriction. Safety and trust must come first.

Focus on nourishment, not perfection

The goal is a safe, fed child – not a picture-perfect plate.

Understand sensory and anxiety triggers

ARFID is often rooted in sensory sensitivity, fear of choking, vomiting, or negative past experiences. Behaviour is communication.

Advocate

Parents often need to push for recognition, referrals, and appropriate support. Keep records, document concerns, and don’t be afraid to ask for second opinions.

Where to find ARFID support

Michelle also shared some links to support that she’s personally found very helpful.

BEAT Eating Disorders offers ARFID-specific support, including:

Helpfinder tool to locate services in your area.

Endeavour group support.

Anchor 1-to-1 sessions – access depends on location.

ARFID Awareness UK provides resources and a Helpfinder tool for local support.

Living with ARFID, support for parents & carers UK is a support group on Facebook with over 25,000 members.

Unable to access your child’s free school meal?

Many disabled children are entitled to free school meals, but struggle to access their entitlement to them because of their disability or medical condition. This includes some children with ARFID.

Schools have a legal duty to make “reasonable adjustments” to the way they deliver free school lunches. Use our legal guide and these template letters to ask your school for a food voucher. This includes if your child is in receipt of an EOTAS package.

More support from Michelle

Michelle co-hosts a brilliant podcast 3 Mums 1 Mission – ARFID, available on Spotify and other podcast platforms.

Michelle also runs face-to-face and online workshops for families in Essex via the charity SEND The Right Message. Here she shares her lived experience and knowledge to help parents understand eating difficulties within neurodivergent families.