ARFID: Is It OCD, Anxiety, or an Eating Disorder?

ARFID can look like OCD, anxiety, extreme picky eating, or even a traditional eating disorder, which is why so many parents feel confused about what they are actually dealing with. In this episode, I break down the five types of ARFID, avoidant, aversive, restrictive, mixed, and ARFID plus, and explain how each one presents differently.We also talk about how ARFID overlaps with OCD and anxiety, when exposure and response prevention is the right fit, and when a feeding therapist or occupational therapist may be the better route. Understanding what is driving your child’s food restriction is the key to getting the right help.If you are a parent trying to figure out whether your child’s eating struggles are fear based, sensory based, or something else entirely, this episode will give you clarity and direction.Resources mentioned in episode:PANDAS NetworkAspireAnxiety Specialists of Atlanta - Dr. Megan FayePsypact mapEquip ARFID ProgramThe Emily ProgramKate Farm’s Protein ShakesBoost Very high Calorie Drink Free upcoming series: Survival Tools for Parents Raising Kids with Anxiety or OCD******This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most parents think they know what their child’s OCD looks like. They see the washing. The checking. The obvious behaviors.But what they’re usually seeing is just the tip of the iceberg.OCD isn’t only handwashing or checking. It’s mental reviewing, silent debating, internal checking, trying to “neutralize” a thought, confessing, reassurance seeking, avoidance, symmetry rituals, and that constant need for things to feel just right. Many of the most powerful compulsions happen completely inside your child’s mind, which means you will never see all of them.In this episode, we’re talking about how OCD really works, why you can’t be the OCD police, and how to shift from trying to catch compulsions to teaching your child the skills to delay and resist them. Because empowerment, not surveillance, is what actually builds long term resilience.If you want detailed guidance on how to teach your child to handle OCD at home, you can learn more at www.natashadaniels.com/parentcourse.If you are a parent who feels like you’re missing something but can’t quite see what OCD is doing behind the scenes, this episode is for you.Get this week’s PDF handout at www.natashadaniels.com/handout***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harm OCD is one of the most frightening and misunderstood themes of OCD, especially when it shows up in children. Intrusive thoughts about hurting oneself or someone else can feel shocking, confusing, and deeply distressing for both kids and parents. These thoughts often clash with a child’s true values, which is exactly why they feel so intense.In this episode, we gently unpack what harm OCD really is and what it is not. We talk about the difference between intrusive thoughts and intent, and why fear can so easily be mistaken for danger. When parents understand the OCD cycle and how it attaches to what matters most, they are better equipped to respond with clarity instead of panic.If you are a parent who has ever felt your heart drop after hearing your child share a scary thought, or if your child has ever been terrified of their own mind, this episode is for you.Resources Discussed in Episode:-Handout of this episode-Videos on Harm OCD:https://youtu.be/qQgTkIfUFDM?si=0c9wIFghIctn4BCThttps://youtu.be/XR0anBw_NIY?si=ggHSaxbhkdlkvOjFhttps://youtu.be/hPOJW3iXRwU?si=lFAcTY7qMX7DMiXh-SPACE Study Course***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OCD rarely stays contained inside your child’s mind. It often pulls parents directly into the cycle through reassurance questions, confessing, repeated checking, cleaning rituals, avoidance rules, or even scripting exactly what you are allowed to say. If you feel like you are constantly answering the same questions, following invisible rules, or walking on eggshells, OCD may be involving you more than you realize.In this episode, we break down how to identify family accommodation, how to decide what to stop doing first, and how to respond in a way that supports your child while shrinking OCD. You will learn simple, practical steps to move from being part of OCD’s system to becoming part of your child’s recovery.Resources Discussed in Episode:Download the PDF for this episodeSpace Study Guide CourseJoin the AT Parenting Community for live classes, parent support, and ongoing guidanceRelated YouTube videos:Reassurance and Why It Grows OCDWhen OCD Makes Kids ConfessHow OCD Involves Family Members***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you know if your child is just worried, anxious, or dealing with OCD?Kids worry. That’s normal. But sometimes fear sticks around longer than it should and starts to take over daily life. In this episode, I break down the differences between typical kid worries, anxiety, and OCD so you can better understand what your child is really struggling with.We talk about:-What developmentally typical fears and worries include-How anxiety shows up over time-How OCD includes intrusive thoughts and the urge to do something for relief-Why treatment looks different for anxiety versus OCDIf you have ever wondered whether something is developmentally normal or a sign your child needs extra support, this episode will help you make sense of it.You are not overreacting for paying attention. Understanding the difference is the first step to helping your child get unstuck.⚠️ Grab any courses you have wanted before our pricing goes up on March 1, 2026 at AT Parenting Survival School***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we talk about one of the most confusing and discouraging moments for parents raising a child with OCD, when things seem to get worse right as you start doing the right things.Many parents interpret a sudden spike in distress, anger, or compulsions as a sign that therapy is not working. But often, this increase in symptoms is actually a sign that OCD feels threatened. When OCD accommodations are reduced or exposures begin, OCD does not quietly step aside, it escalates. This episode explains why that happens and what it means for your child’s recovery.You will learn what an extinction burst looks like in real life, how to tell the difference between a true setback and a growth spike, and why your child may appear more dysregulated even though they are building resilience. We also talk about the most common mistakes parents make during this phase, like backing off boundaries too quickly or returning to reassurance out of fear, and how those well-intended responses can accidentally strengthen OCD.Most importantly, this episode focuses on how to stay grounded as a parent when your child is struggling more. We cover what supportive responses sound like, how to emotionally hold your child without feeding OCD, and how to keep your long-term goals in mind when short-term distress shows up.If you have ever thought, “We were doing better, why is this suddenly worse?” this episode will help you understand what is really happening and how to stay the course with confidence and compassion.Video: OCD is Like an Octopus⚠️ Grab any courses you have wanted before our pricing goes up on March 1, 2026 at AT Parenting Survival School***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I break down why logical explanations, reassurance, and “talking it through” so often backfire when your child has OCD. While rationalizing may feel supportive and calming in the moment, it actually feeds the OCD cycle and strengthens your child’s need for certainty.I explain what OCD really is, how it operates in the brain, and why it isn’t a problem of logic or understanding. You’ll learn why reasoning with OCD increases doubt instead of resolving it, and how these well-intentioned responses can unintentionally keep your child stuck.Most importantly, I share a different way to respond, one that supports your child without engaging the OCD, reduces family exhaustion, and helps you feel more confident in the moment.This episode is for parents who feel like they are constantly explaining, reassuring, or debating—and are ready for a more effective approach.Video on What is OCDOCD Card Deck***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, I sit down with Mia Mason, the creative force behind Worry’s Whispers, a beautifully illustrated collection of poems that gives voice to anxiety, fear, and the quiet corners of the inner world that so many of us know all too well.Mia and I explore the origins of her work, what inspired her to turn internal dialogue into poetic expression, and how Worry’s Whispers serves as both a mirror and a companion for people navigating anxiety — whether persistent, sudden, quiet, or loud.In this episode we break down:Why poetry can be a powerful tool for emotional expression — especially for those who struggle to articulate internal experiences.How Worry’s Whispers uniquely captures the nuanced textures of worry without judgment, offering readers comfort through recognition rather than prescription.The creative process behind the book — from inspiration to illustration — and how Mia uses language and imagery to normalize the experience of anxiety.Mia’s perspective on the importance of finding the right therapist who is qualified to address anxiety and OCD.Throughout the conversation, Mia’s warmth, vulnerability, and insight shine through, providing real encouragement for anyone whose inner world sometimes feels overwhelming. Tune in to hear Mia’s story, wisdom, and words of encouragement.Get your copy of her beautiful book here. Check her out on Instagram and TikTok too!Links discussed in episode:Psychpact MapAnxiety Specialists of Atlanta***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When parents start looking for help for a child with OCD, the process can feel confusing, overwhelming, and high-stakes. Between therapy options, medication questions, and different levels of care, it’s hard to know what actually matters — and what doesn’t.In this episode, I break down what parents really need to know when seeking treatment for OCD.We talk about why the therapist’s training matters more than their degree, and what specific approaches are most effective for OCD. I explain the importance of evidence-based modalities like CBT with ERP, ACT, and why family involvement is essential, especially for kids and teens.I also walk through the different levels of care, from outpatient therapy to intensive and residential programs, and how to know when a higher level of support may be appropriate.For parents considering more intensive treatment, I share key questions to ask programs so you can better understand whether the environment is truly appropriate for a child with anxiety or OCD, including how much individual therapy is provided, the mix of diagnoses in the program, and the overall level of safety and stability.Finally, I touch on several well-known OCD treatment programs parents often hear about, and how to think through these options thoughtfully.This episode is designed to help parents feel more informed, more grounded, and more confident as they navigate treatment decisions, because finding the right support can make a meaningful difference in your child’s recovery.If you are new to this OCD journey, take my free OCD webinar, 5 Things Every Parent Needs to Know When Helping Their Child with OCD.***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parenting a child with OCD can feel incredibly isolating. Your child is on their own journey with anxiety or OCD, but that doesn’t mean you’re supposed to navigate it alone.In this episode, I talk about one of the most overlooked pieces of helping kids with OCD: parent support.I explore questions like:Who do you turn to when things feel overwhelming?Do you have access to other parents who get it?Do you have a safe place to vent without judgment?Are you surrounded by people who can validate your struggles and share what’s helped them?Does your child have access to age-appropriate support beyond just you?I also share why having a community matters so much when you’re raising a child with anxiety or OCD — not just for emotional support, but for practical tools, shared wisdom, and grounding perspective when OCD is loud.At the end of the episode, I talk about the AT Parenting Community, which is currently open for a limited time. Inside the community, parents get access to:A supportive space to connect with other parents raising kids with anxiety and OCDLive classes, on-demand courses and support group calls for parents, kids and teensHelpful resources and ongoing educationA place to private message me and other parents questionsA safe, understanding environment where you don’t have to explain or justify what you’re going throughIf you’ve been trying to do this on your own, this episode is an invitation to pause and ask: Do I have enough support — and what would change if I did?🧡 The AT Parenting Community is open until Thursday. Join us at www.atparentingcommunity.com ***This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?  🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD:https://atparentingsurvivalschool.comJoin the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD):https://atparentingcommunity.comTake one of my FREE webinars:www.Natashadaniels.com/webinarsCheck out my books: www.Natashadaniels.com/books🌸 Other social places I hang out:http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvivalhttp://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.