ARFID can look like OCD, anxiety, extreme picky eating, or even a traditional eating disorder, which is why so many parents feel confused about what they are actually dealing with.

In this week's podcast episode, I break down the five types of ARFID, avoidant, aversive, restrictive, mixed, and ARFID plus, and explain how each one presents differently.

We also talk about how ARFID overlaps with OCD and anxiety, when exposure and response prevention is the right fit, and when a feeding therapist or occupational therapist may be the better route. Understanding what is driving your child’s food restriction is the key to getting the right help.

If you are a parent trying to figure out whether your child’s eating struggles are fear based, sensory based, or something else entirely, this episode will give you clarity and direction.

Click here to listen to the episode

Getting a child with OCD to open up can feel impossible, especially when they say:

“I don’t know.”

Here’s the game-changing question I have used in my practice and with my own kids:

“What does your OCD say will happen if you don’t do it?”

This does two powerful things:

✅ It separates your child from their OCD (so they don’t feel blamed or defensive)

✅ It reveals the intrusive thought or core fear driving their compulsion

Once you know the fear, you know what you truly need to tackle.

This one question can unlock insight—and progress.

🙊 Can’t get them to talk? We’ll cover that too in my upcoming FREE series. Register using the link below!

Click here to register

When a child’s fear of vomiting takes over

Most kids dislike throwing up, but for those with emetophobia, it’s intensely scary. A child with emetophobia might worry constantly about getting sick, react strongly to anything related to vomiting, or avoid certain foods they fear could make them sick. Emetophobia can be related to a specific phobia or OCD—both of which can be managed well with evidence-based treatment. Learn more about emetophobia and the most effective treatment approach.

If your child is experiencing signs of OCD or related conditions like emetophobia, NOCD Therapists can help. Our therapists provide evidence-based OCD treatment for people of all ages—including children as young as 5 and teens. Book a free call to learn more.

Take care,
Natasha