46. ARFID, Eating Disorders & the Neurodivergent Body: What We Got Wrong with Marie Camin

⚠️ Content WarningThis episode contains discussion of eating disorders, food restriction, and medical trauma, including misdiagnosis, inpatient treatment, and NG tube feeding. These themes may be triggering if you’ve experienced eating disorders, hospitalisation, or trauma in medical settings. Please listen with care and step away if you need to.🥄 Your child isn’t “picky.” They’re hungry, terrified — and too often, the world still blames parents.In this raw and validating episode, Jane speaks with Marie Camin, autistic clinical psychologist and researcher, about ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), eating disorders, and why neurodivergent bodies are consistently misunderstood and mistreated.Marie shares her own lived experience alongside her clinical insights, unpacking how trauma, sensory needs, medical neglect, and stigma collide to create deeper harm — and why curiosity, agency, and neuro-affirming care are essential for healing.What We Cover in This EpisodeThe difference (and overlap) between ARFID, anorexia, and other eating disordersWhy ARFID is misdiagnosed and why body image isn’t the driverMarie’s lived experience: being mislabelled with anorexia, medical trauma, and refeeding through an NG tubeHow restriction cycles worsen when safe foods are lostThe role of sensory overload, anxiety, and co-occurring health conditions (POTS, MCAS, celiac)Why dieticians, trauma-informed care, and curiosity matter more than controlReframing progress: eating “enough” vs eating “everything”Identity, food, and family culture — and why pressure around mealtimes backfiresThis Episode Is For You If…You’re parenting a child with ARFID, “extreme picky eating,” or food refusalYou’ve been blamed or dismissed by professionals who don’t understand neurodivergent feeding differencesYou’ve experienced medical trauma tied to eating or food treatmentYou want to understand how trauma, sensory needs, and stigma intersect with eating disordersYou need solidarity and language that validates your lived experienceReferences & Resources MentionedMarie Camin’ website: https://www.mariecamin.com/ Hermeneutical Injustice — concept by philosopher Miranda Fricker on the harm of missing language for lived experienceRelated ADHD Mums EpisodesCould it be ARFID? Spotting the Signs + Why It’s Not Just Fussy EatingBeyond ‘Picky Eating’ — What ARFID Feels Like: Claire Britton’s Personal StoryYou’ve Tried Everything… They Still Won’t Eat: Real Strategies for ARFID at HomeNavigating Psychology Assessments: Avoiding Key MistakesIf you’re struggling, you don’t have to go through it alone. In Australia, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Butterfly Helpline on 1800 33 4673. If you’re outside Australia, please reach out to local crisis supports in your area.🎧 Listen now: ARFID, Eating Disorders & the Neurodivergent Body: What We Got Wrong — on Spotify, Apple, or adhdmums.com.auJOIN THE COMMUNITY:Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!FOLLOW FOR MORE:Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTubeLEAVE A REVIEW:Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.COLLABS:For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.