What is ARFID? An interview with ARFID awareness advocate Michelle Jacques

In this powerful and deeply honest episode, we’re joined by ARFID awareness advocate Michelle Jacques, who shares her family’s journey navigating Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Michelle speaks candidly about how her son’s eating difficulties began in early childhood and gradually became severely restrictive. She opens up about the emotional toll, and the reality of fighting for recognition and support. But this conversation is also full of hope. Michelle shares what changed when she removed pressure around food, and began to understand the sensory and anxiety-driven roots of ARFID. In this episode, we discuss: What ARFID is and early signs How autism and sensory sensitivities can impact eating Why pressure around food can make things worse The postcode lottery of ARFID diagnosis and NHS support The decision to implement a feeding tube and the impact it’s had Finding community and peer support Transcript available here Resources and links Contact’s information and advice for families with disabled children. 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. 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. About the host Contact is a national charity that offers families with disabled children expert advice and a place to support each other — helping them to thrive, access essential services, and campaign for a more inclusive society. About Michelle Michelle is an ARFID awareness advocate and mum of two autistic children. She shares lived experience to support families navigating restrictive eating and neurodivergence. She also co-hosts the podcast 3 Mums 1 Mission ARFID and delivers workshops for families in Essex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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What is ARFID? An interview with ARFID awareness advocate Michelle Jacques is an episode from The helpful podcast for families with disabled children by Contact.

This episode is 48:06 long.

This episode was published on Feb 18, 2026.

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