#144: Rethinking ARFID as Neurodivergence and Raising "Picky Eaters" with Kevin Green (of @kevindoesarfid)

The Full Plate Podcast with Abbie Attwood, MS

Were you labeled a "picky eater" growing up? Or are you raising a child with sensory preferences, feeding differences, or neurodivergence? In this episode, we’re diving deep into Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), its connection to neurodivergence, and the misconceptions surrounding so-called “picky eaters.”

We also discuss the intense pressure parents face from diet culture and social media, the impact of disembodying feeding practices on kids, and why “normal” eating doesn’t exist.

You'll hear more about...

• what is ARFID and how is it diagnosed?
• the three main subtypes of ARFID
• Kevin's lived experience with ARFID and autism
• Abbie's similar experiences with OCD and an eating disorder
• how neurodivergent experiences like autism and trauma intersect with eating challenges
• why hiding veggies in your kids' food is probably not a great idea (and might be causing harm)
• sensory sensitivity, fear of aversive consequences, and lack of interest in food
• compassionate insights for parents
• normalizing the challenges of feeding neurodivergent children
• why ARFID is not a parenting failure
• how we can better understand our own eating patterns
• holding space for the importance of curiosity and respect
• how to create a safe environment for exploration with food

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or curious about ARFID and food autonomy, this conversation offers validation, nuance, and radical reframing of what it means to nurture a truly embodied relationship with food. Don’t miss it!

Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at Patreon.com/fullplate

Group program: Looking for more support and concrete steps to take to heal your relationship with food and your body? Apply for Abbie's next 10-week group program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching

Group membership: Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group

About Kevin: Kevin Green (they/them) is a disabled, mad, and queer artist from Western Massachusetts located on Pocumtuc People's land. Kevin's work reflects their experiences with mental health, ARFID, queerness, and neurodivergence. Kevin is passionate about advocating for accessible, client-led, and non-carceral oriented care. Follow along on Instagram @kevindoesarfid

Social media:

Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast

Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness

Transcripts: If you’re looking for transcripts, you can find those on Abbie's website, www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/podcast

Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy

Podcast Editing by Brian Walters

Administrative Support by Alexis Eades

This podcast is ad-free and support comes from our Patrons on Patreon: Patreon.com/fullplate