For many PDAers, eating can be experienced as a perceived threat, and paradoxically, the greater the hunger, the harder it becomes to eat. Hunger itself may show up as an internal demand, something the body is insisting on, and internal demands can be just as triggering as external ones. What others interpret as a simple bodily cue can feel overwhelming, intrusive, or even frightening.

What an incredible year it has been. We thought it would be important to do a 2025 recap as we have achieved so much this year. From expanding our team, to supporting more individuals and families than ever (over 300 to be precise), presenting at several conferences and events—this year has been filled with growth, learning, and meaningful impact.

Feeding a child with PDA can be unpredictable and overwhelming. One day they may happily eat a food, and the next day the same food is suddenly “too much or not safe” Meals can turn into power struggles, avoidance, shutdowns, or complete refusals—often leaving parents wondering what they’re doing wrong.

But here’s the truth:

You’re not doing anything wrong.

And your child isn’t being “difficult or naughty”.

Children with a PDA profile are navigating a nervous system that is wired to avoid perceived threats/demands. Even the ones they genuinely want to meet, like eating or using the bathroom can feel like a threat response.

At Whole Body Nutrition we work with many individuals, children, teens and adults who live with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). One of the most heartbreaking aspects of their journeys isn’t the food itself—it’s the way they are treated because of it.

Firstly ARFID is not just “picky eating”, it is a multifaceted eating disorder and neurodivergence characterised by severe food avoidance or restriction. ARFID can originate from anxiety, fear of food and/or eating, past trauma, sensory processing differences (involving texture, taste, and smell), or variations in executive functioning.