 |
The helpful podcast for families with disabled childrenAuthor: Contact
Advice and information podcasts from Contact, the charity for families with disabled children. Covering everything from disability benefits, special education, health and diagnosis, and accessing social care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Kids & Family, Mental Health, Parenting Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
What is ARFID? An interview with ARFID awareness advocate Michelle Jacques
Wednesday, 18 February, 2026
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 signsHow autism and sensory sensitivities can impact eatingWhy pressure around food can make things worseThe postcode lottery of ARFID diagnosis and NHS supportThe decision to implement a feeding tube and the impact it’s hadFinding community and peer supportTranscript available hereResources and linksContact’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 hostContact 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 MichelleMichelle 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.
