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Neurodiversity and Eating Disorders: Understanding the Overlap
- Flourish Therapy Clinic
- Oct 22
- 2 min read
Rethinking the Narrative
In recent years, awareness around neurodiversity — including autism, ADHD, and other neurological differences — has grown significantly. However, an important area that still receives limited attention is the connection between neurodiversity and eating disorders.
While eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) have long been viewed through a psychological and social lens, growing research shows that neurological differences can shape how people experience and cope with food, control, and emotion.
Why the Overlap Exists
Many neurodivergent individuals share traits that can make them more vulnerable to restrictive or repetitive eating behaviours:
Sensory sensitivities – Strong aversions to textures, tastes, or smells can make eating difficult or distressing.
Need for control or routine – Predictable eating patterns may bring comfort but can become rigid over time.
Emotional regulation difficulties – Food restriction or control can be a way of managing overwhelming feelings.
Perfectionism and anxiety – Common traits in both autism and eating disorders.
Social challenges – Pressures around appearance, belonging, or misunderstanding can deepen isolation.
Missed Diagnoses and Misunderstandings
Sadly, neurodiversity is often missed or misunderstood in those with eating disorders — particularly among autistic women and girls. Because they may mask their traits, clinicians can interpret rigid behaviours or social withdrawal as purely eating-disorder related, rather than part of a broader neurodevelopmental profile.
This can lead to treatment plans that feel confusing or even distressing for the person in care, resulting in slower recovery and greater frustration.
The Need for Autism-Informed and Neurodiverse-Sensitive Care
Recovery is possible — but only when support recognises how neurodivergent minds work.Effective care should:
Adapt environments to reduce sensory overload.
Use clear, structured communication.
Validate neurodiverse experiences rather than viewing them as obstacles.
Encourage flexibility gradually and with empathy.
Prioritise safety, trust, and understanding over compliance.
Moving Forward with Compassion
When we understand the connection between neurodiversity and eating disorders, we move from blame to belonging. Each person deserves care that celebrates difference, not conformity.
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