Read more about PANS/PANDAS and Restricted Eating: Read Article/Download Toolkit
ASPIRE’s ChitChat on Restricted Eating Support Group
ASPIRE hosts ChitChat, a dedicated support group for parents navigating the challenges of restricted eating in PANS/PANDAS. This group provides a safe space to share experiences, gain insights, and connect with others facing similar struggles.
For more information or to register: Register Today!
National and Online Resources
National Alliance for Eating Disorders
The National Alliance for Eating Disorders, “The Alliance,” provides advocacy, education, and support for individuals and families affected by eating disorders, including ARFID. They offer local and virtual support groups, a treatment database, and referrals to specialized providers.
- The Alliance’s Friends and Family Virtual Support Group – This group was instrumental in getting the information I needed to navigate treatment centers and getting lists of facilities that took my insurance and treated ARFID specifically
- For more information, visit The The Alliance’s website.
Facebook Support Groups for Parents
Eating Disorder Family Support Network hosts vetted parent support groups that provide a safe space to connect with others navigating eating restrictions and ARFID. Admission requires an application process to ensure members are there specifically for support for eating disorders.
ARFID Resources
Please note, these resources focus on ARFID and other Eating Disorders; they may not be PANS/PANDAS literate. However, they have been helpful to members of our community in regards to support and strategies for increasing eating.
F.E.A.S.T. (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders) (Global/US) —
Free, caregiver-first education (webinars, toolkits, and Family Guides), including an ARFID-specific handbook designed to help families understand and respond to restrictive eating
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) (US) —
A high-visibility ARFID education hub with reviewed overview content, plus ongoing webinars and screening tools for early awareness (education-only use).
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) (US) —
An accessible ARFID explainer paired with a national peer-support infrastructure that families and adults can use to build understanding and reduce isolation.
National Alliance for Eating Disorders (US) —
Clear ARFID education content plus a caregiver-oriented “Friends and Family” virtual group that supports learning and navigation without centering provider directories
ARFID Awareness UK (UK) —
UK’s ARFID-specific charity (registered 2019) focused on awareness, education, and caregiver/professional information—useful for international perspective and shared language around ARFID
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (US) —
A US government publication that includes ARFID in an authoritative, plain-language eating-disorders overview, supporting accurate public education.
American Psychiatric Association (patients & families) (US) —
A diagnostic-framing overview that explains ARFID’s three common drivers and the core functional/medical impacts used in diagnosis (education reference)
Cleveland Clinic (US) —
A medically reviewed ARFID explainer with clear symptom lists, drivers, and practical distinctions from weight/shape-driven eating disorders.
Johns Hopkins Medicine (US)
A pediatric-oriented eating-disorders education page that includes ARFID and can help families translate symptoms into developmentally appropriate concerns
ARFID Collaborative (US/international network) — https://www.arfidcollaborative.com/
An ARFID-focused education and training hub linking FAQs, groups, publications, and provider-learning resources—useful for clinicians and informed caregivers.
Therapeutic Approaches
Felix Economakis, Psychologist (UK)
Felix Economakis, a psychologist in England, specializes in treating ARFID using a hypnosis-based method focusing on relaxation techniques and logical reframing of food aversions. He offers in-person and virtual sessions. He also has an on-demand Ted Talk video course that provides basic information about ARFID and his treatment approach. Nothing in the talk resembled a traditional hypnosis session that we usually think about, but he provided relaxation techniques while logically discussing food aversions. He has trained a few other providers in this method, and they all report a high success rate (80–90%). Some families have found this approach helpful, while others may be hesitant due to the hypnosis component.
- Felix Economakis Facebook Group: ARFID Parents/Carers Support Group (previously diagnosed as SED)
- Felix Economakis Ted Talk/Course
Additional Resources
ARFID and Neurodiversity
This blog explores ARFID through the lens of neurodiversity, offering an alternative perspective on treatment approaches.
Applying the Neurodiversity Paradigm to ARFID
Introductory Video on ARFID
This video overviews ARFID, its causes, behaviors, and treatment options. It is a helpful resource for sharing with friends and family to increase understanding and support.
What is ARFID? Information and details on ARFID behavior, causes and treatment.
Have Additional Resources to Share?
We are committed to updating this resource page with the most relevant and practical information for families affected by PANS/PANDAS-related eating restrictions. If you have a resource that has been particularly helpful, please reach out to us.
Author Information:
- Breanne Failor – ASPIRE Key Volunteer
- Stacy Higginbotham – ASPIRE Restricted Eating Volunteer
- Blog: The Mighty Tulip
Gabriella True
