ARFID
Hi! My name is Joseph-Jason
But you can call me Dude
And I am here to explain to you
How I feel about drink and food.
I have this thing called ARFID
But it doesn’t make me weird
I just find most food scary
It’s something to be feared.
My Mummum calls me Scrawny Butt
Because I am so thin
But it’s not like anorexia
I can’t control it, I don’t win.
Some people just don’t understand
“If he’s hungry, he will eat”
“Don’t give in to pickyness”
“If you don’t eat, no treat”
But I would rather starve myself
Than risk a taste or lick
I won’t eat food I don’t deem safe
This is real; it’s not a trick.
Don’t slip things in my safe food
Because I’ll know, then that’s gone too
And then do you know what happens?
I’ll never trust food from you!
My safe foods are brand specific
‘New and improved’ is my worst nightmare
If the packaging or product changes
I can’t eat it and that’s not fair.
So when you see us eating
My family has a proper meal
Please don’t make rude comments
Don’t make it a big deal.
Maybe try just asking
Why I have chocolate, yoghurts, crisps
Crackers and a fruit pouch
Or mind your own business!
We want to let the world know,
To educate and teach
So take the time to learn from me
And more people we can reach.
Copyright © Shelley Murray-Foreman | Year Posted 2025
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