This course explores Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder in neurodivergent people and why it is frequently misunderstood or overlooked. It examines sensory, emotional, physical, and anxiety-related factors, alongside the impact on health, nutrition, and access to support.

It explores why ARFID is more common in autism with crossover explanations and added details around Learning Disability, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Dyspraxia.

By completing this course, participants will demonstrate that they can:

• Understand what ARFID is and how it presents.
• Recognise differences between ARFID and other eating difficulty expressions.
• Identify the main associated conditions in ARFID.
• Identify the main drivers for in ARFID and what can support each.
• Apply compassionate and non-coercive support approaches and understand where to seek further support.

1. Define avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and distinguish it from typical autistic eating differences and other eating disorders.
2. Identify sensory, emotional, medical, and environmental factors that contribute to ARFID in autistic individuals.
3. Apply neurodiversity-affirming strategies to support eating, reduce anxiety, and improve wellbeing without coercion or force.

• 10 minutes: Introduction
• 65 minutes: What is ARFID?
  • Physical Health Considerations
  • Contributing Factors
    • Medication Effects
    • Sensory Processing
    • Emotions
• 25 minutes: Support Strategies & Conclusion
  • Demand Avoidance
  • Play and Positivity
  • Supplements
  • Family Style Eating
  • Structure
  • Professional Support