ARFID Connect: A Supportive Group for Young People with ARFID

For many young people living with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), one of the hardest parts can be feeling as though nobody else really understands.

Food may feel overwhelming. Eating with friends can be difficult. Sensory sensitivities, anxiety, fear of unfamiliar foods or worries about eating can make everyday situations, school, parties, holidays, restaurants and family meals much more complicated.

And sometimes, simply being the person who eats differently can feel very lonely.

That’s one of the reasons I created ARFID Connect.

What is ARFID Connect?

ARFID Connect is a small, supportive and neurodiversity-affirming group for young people with ARFID.

Rather than focusing only on food or trying to make young people eat differently, the group provides a space where they can meet others who understand what living with ARFID can actually be like.

Across five weekly sessions, we explore topics such as:

• sensory differences and food

• anxiety and worries around eating

• navigating school, friendships and social situations

• understanding our individual ARFID experiences

• building confidence and practical coping strategies

• communicating with family and others about ARFID

• reducing shame and self-criticism

• finding small, manageable ways forward

  
  

Most importantly, young people have an opportunity to discover:

“I’m not the only one who feels like this.”

Support without pressure

One of the most important principles of ARFID Connect is that it is support without pressure.

There is no expectation that a young person needs to eat particular foods during the group, perform in front of others, or suddenly be ready to make changes.

Young people with ARFID are often very familiar with being told to “just try it” or “just take one bite.”

ARFID Connect takes a different approach.

We start with curiosity, understanding and connection. From there, we can gently explore confidence, coping strategies and what progress might look like for each individual young person.

A neurodiversity-affirming approach

ARFID frequently overlaps with neurodivergence, including autism and ADHD.

For some young people, sensory processing differences, interoception, executive functioning, predictability, anxiety and previous experiences with food can all influence eating. These differences aren't treated as something a young person needs to hide or simply push through. Instead, ARFID Connect aims to help young people better understand their own brain, body and eating experiences, while developing strategies that work for them.

Keeping the groups small

ARFID Connect groups are intentionally kept small.

For young people who experience anxiety, sensory overwhelm or find new social situations difficult, walking into a large group can be daunting.

A smaller group allows time to settle in, get to know one another and participate in a way that feels comfortable.

There is no expectation to be the loudest person in the room. Young people can take some time to find their feet.

Who facilitates ARFID Connect?

ARFID Connect is facilitated by Helen Dean, an Accredited Practising Dietitian, Registered Counsellor and Eating Disorder Recovery Clinician.

My work brings together nutrition, counselling and eating disorder support, with a particular interest in ARFID, neurodivergence and supporting young people and their families.

My aim is to create a space that feels practical, respectful and genuinely understanding of the complexities that can come with ARFID.

Interested in joining?

If your young person has ARFID and would benefit from meeting others who understand their experience, ARFID Connect may be a helpful addition to their individual support.

Registrations for the October 2026 groups open Friday.

Choose the Australia/Melbourne, UK or USA/Canada group when registering through the ARFID Connect page on the Stepping Stones with Helen Dean website.

Places are limited so that each group can remain small, supportive and comfortable.

If you're unsure whether ARFID Connect would be suitable for your young person, you're very welcome to get in touch before registering.