Episode 31 ARFID — Your Child Isn't Picky

Your pediatrician said "they'll grow out of it." You kept offering new foods. You took the pressure off. And two years later, the list of foods your child will eat is shorter — not longer.In this episode, Jean Hawney, a pediatric feeding specialist and speech-language pathologist, breaks down ARFID — Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder — in plain language. Not the clinical version. The real version. The one that sounds like your family's dinner table.In this episode, you'll learn:What ARFID actually is — and why it has nothing to do with body image or eating disorders in the traditional sense.The three subtypes of ARFID — and why knowing which one fits your child changes the entire approach.How to tell the difference between typical picky eating and something that needs real support.Why the "wait and see" approach doesn't work for ARFID — and what happens when families wait too long.What a feeding evaluation actually looks like — and exactly what to say to your pediatrician so you don't get brushed off.The significant overlap between ARFID and autism — and why you need to bring feeding into that conversation explicitly.Whether your child eats fewer than 10 foods, has a complete meltdown when their safe brand changes, or you've just always known in your gut that this was more than pickiness — this episode gives you the language, the clarity, and the next step.Resources Mentioned:Courses: thelittleeaters.com/CoursesFree Downloads: thelittleeaters.com/FreeDownloadsBook an Evaluation: thelittleeaters.janeapp.comFollow Jean on Instagram: @littleeaters_talkersIf this episode felt like it was written for your family, share it with a parent who needs to hear it. You've been advocating for your child all along — keep going.