ARFID: Is It OCD, Anxiety, or an Eating Disorder?

ARFID can look like OCD, anxiety, extreme picky eating, or even a traditional eating disorder, which is why so many parents feel confused about what they are actually dealing with. In this episode, I break down the five types of ARFID, avoidant, aversive, restrictive, mixed, and ARFID plus, and explain how each one presents differently. We also talk about how ARFID overlaps with OCD and anxiety, when exposure and response prevention is the right fit, and when a feeding therapist or occupational therapist may be the better route. Understanding what is driving your child’s food restriction is the key to getting the right help. If you are a parent trying to figure out whether your child’s eating struggles are fear based, sensory based, or something else entirely, this episode will give you clarity and direction. Resources mentioned in episode: PANDAS Network Aspire Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta - Dr. Megan Faye Psypact map Equip ARFID Program The Emily Program Kate Farm’s Protein Shakes Boost Very high Calorie Drink Free upcoming series: Survival Tools for Parents Raising Kids with Anxiety or OCD *** *** This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go to This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional. Parents, do you need more support? 🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️ Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD: Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): Take one of my FREE webinars: Check out my books: 🌸 Other social places I hang out: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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ARFID: Is It OCD, Anxiety, or an Eating Disorder? is an episode from AT Parenting Survival Podcast: Parenting | Child Anxiety | Child OCD | Kids & Family by Natasha Daniels: Child Therapist, Child Anxiety and OCD Expert, Parenting Coach and Parent.

This episode is 59:28 long.

This episode was published on Mar 24, 2026.

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