Ep 66: Understanding ARFID: Sensory Sensitivities, Fear-Based Avoidance & Neurodiversity with Becky Grace Irwin
In this episode of Just Eat Normally, host Dr. Rachel Evans speaks with Becky Grace Irwin, a BABCP-accredited CBT & EMDR therapist, mental health nurse, and specialist in neurodiversity, complex trauma, eating disorders, and ARFID. Becky brings a mix of clinical expertise and lived experience as she shares how childhood environment, sensory processing, autonomy, and developmental factors shape someone’s relationship with food.Together we explore:What ARFID actually is (and what it isn’t)Sensory sensitivities, fear of adverse consequences, and low-interest presentationsMisconceptions about “picky eating”Why some people rely heavily on “safe foods” and predictable food brandsLinks between ARFID, neurodiversity (especially ADHD & autism), and interceptionHow shame, pressure, and family dynamics impact eating behavioursThe importance of understanding individual differences rather than pigeonholing peopleWays adults with ARFID can navigate relationships, social eating, and recoveryConnect with RachelDr. Rachel Evans is a psychologist, hypnotherapist and eating disorder survivor. She brings together academic knowledge and theories, therapeutic skills and personal experience for a unique perspective on eating disorder recovery.https://eatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/rachel.evans.phd/https://www.facebook.com/rachel.evans.phdConnect with Beckyhttps://www.beckygracetherapy.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/beckygracetherapyhttps://www.facebook.com/beckygracetherapy