Ep 66: Understanding ARFID: Sensory Sensitivities, Fear-Based Avoidance & Neurodiversity with Becky Grace Irwin
Just Eat Normally: Eating Disorder RecoveryShow Notes
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 presentations
Misconceptions about “picky eating”
Why some people rely heavily on “safe foods” and predictable food brands
Links between ARFID, neurodiversity (especially ADHD & autism), and interception
How shame, pressure, and family dynamics impact eating behaviours
The importance of understanding individual differences rather than pigeonholing people
Ways adults with ARFID can navigate relationships, social eating, and recovery
Connect with Rachel Dr. 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.phd Connect with Becky https://www.beckygracetherapy.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/beckygracetherapy https://www.facebook.com/beckygracetherapy
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