Research shows a high occurrence of eating disorders among the neurodivergent population, particularly among those with autism and ADHD. Despite this overlap, there is limited understanding of the links between neurodivergence and eating disorders, leaving neurodivergent individuals to experience poorer treatment outcomes compared to neurotypical people.

The neurodiversity movement is continuing to gain momentum, and people’s lived experiences are getting shared. As we hear more stories from neurodivergent individuals with eating disorders, it is becoming clear that changes need to be made. The current standards for eating disorder treatment leave little consideration for the unique needs and lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals.

Neurodivergent individuals experience the world differently. This can include differences in sensory processing, communication and socializing, thinking and learning styles, gender identity, sexual orientation, sex diversity, and executive functioning, etc. As explained in the 2024 research article by Cobbaert et. al, “these differences may contribute, either directly or indirectly, to a wide array of pathways potentially contributing to the development of disordered eating, eating disorders, and/or body image disturbances for neurodivergent individuals.”

This post will outline six considerations that can be incorporated into eating disorder........

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