Understanding ARFID: Insights from Michelle Jacques of ARFIDLifeUK
For many families, mealtimes can be one of the most stressful parts of the day—especially when a child refuses to eat or drink. But when eating difficulties go beyond “fussy eating,” families may actually be facing ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), a little-understood condition that has a profound impact on children and their parents.
Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with Michelle Jacques, parent, advocate, and founder of ARFIDLifeUK. Michelle is a leading voice raising awareness of ARFID and supporting families who are navigating its challenges. She generously shared her personal experiences, as well as practical strategies for parents and carers who may be at the beginning of this journey.
What is ARFID?
ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) was formally recognised in the DSM-5 in 2013. Unlike typical picky eating, ARFID is driven by extreme responses to food and can be triggered by:
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Sensory factors – texture, taste, colour, smell, packaging, or even temperature of food and drink.
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Fear of negative consequences – such as pain, choking, sickness, or bad past experiences.
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Lack of interest in eating – children with ARFID may not feel hunger cues in the same way and will sometimes choose to go hungry rather than eat foods outside of their safe range.
Michelle explained how her own son’s ARFID first appeared through sensory sensitivities and later escalated after a bout of tonsillitis. By the age of three, his food intake had narrowed to just a handful of items.
Michelle Jacques’ Journey with ARFID
Michelle shared how isolating and overwhelming the early years felt. Support was hard to find, and professionals often dismissed her concerns as “fussy eating.” It wasn’t until much later that her son’s ARFID was formally recognised.
Through her platform ARFIDLifeUK, Michelle now offers a space where families can connect, share experiences, and access practical guidance. She emphasises the importance of community—finding others who truly understand the small victories and daily struggles of ARFID.
Michelle’s Top 3 Tips for Parents Navigating ARFID
Michelle highlighted three key strategies that have made a real difference:
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Track and evidence your child’s eating habits – Write things down, take photos, and gather information to help professionals take your concerns seriously.
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Remove pressure and expectations – Reduce anxiety by allowing children to eat in ways that feel safe to them, without forcing food or mealtime rules.
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Find your community and talk openly – Connecting with other parents, whether online or in person, can ease feelings of isolation and provide practical support.
How Jam Up! Is Supporting Families
At Jam Up!, we’re developing a digital app that helps autistic children and those with additional needs complete daily living tasks through gamification and virtual pets. The app currently supports getting dressed and tooth brushing, with a hydration task coming soon.
When one parent suggested a hydration feature, we reached out to Michelle to ensure our design wouldn’t create new barriers for children with ARFID. Her insights have been invaluable, ideas like adding features like sniffing the fluid, lowing bubbles into a drink with a straw, trying just a sip – all with help from our virtual pets. Michelle’s collaboration will ensure Jam Up! continues to be inclusive for families facing feeding and drinking challenges.
You can download Jam Up! now on the App Store and Google Play, or learn more at www.jamup.io.
Final Thoughts
Michelle Jacques and ARFIDLifeUK are changing the conversation around ARFID—bringing visibility, empathy
, and practical advice to families who need it most. While the condition can be overwhelming, support and community are out there.
At Jam Up!, we are proud to be learning from parents like Michelle as we build tools that empower autistic children and those with additional needs to grow in independence and confidence.