EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: ARFID CONNECT (a group for young people)

"I just wish I knew someone else with ARFID."

I’ve heard versions of this from several young people recently. Living with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) can sometimes feel incredibly isolating. Friends may be kind and supportive, but they don’t always understand what it’s like when eating out feels stressful, when school camps or sleepovers require planning, or when you’re tired of people asking questions about what you eat.

So, I’m exploring interest in a small, supportive group for young people aged approximately 12–18 who experience ARFID.

The idea is simple: a safe, professionally facilitated space to meet other young people who get it.

This would not be a food exposure or “try new foods” group.

Instead, we might talk about things like:

• Feeling different or misunderstood

• Friendships, school and social situations

• Eating away from home

• Handling questions and comments about food

• Explaining ARFID to other people

• Anxiety around food-related situations

• Advocating for what you need

• And sometimes simply being able to say, “Me too.”

My hope would be to keep the group small, relaxed and supportive, with plenty of choice about how much each young person wants to participate.

At this stage, I’m simply seeking expressions of interest to see whether this is something young people and families would find helpful.

If your young person is aged around 12–18 and has avoidant/restrictive eating, and you think they may benefit from connecting with others who understand, please get in touch.

There is no commitment at this stage; I’d simply love to hear whether there is interest.

Sometimes the hardest part of ARFID isn’t only the food. It’s feeling like nobody else understands.

Get in touch:

Email: hdean1974@gmail.com

Call: 0412 855 347