Understanding the interplay between Neurodivergence and Eating Disorders and why this matters:

Understanding the interplay between neurodivergence and eating disorders isn’t just about accurate diagnosis—it’s about creating compassionate, effective care that responds to the intersection of these. Traditional treatment models do not address the sensory needs, cognitive profiles, or emotional coping strategies of neurodivergent individuals. What works for one person may not work for another—and what looks like resistance might actually be a survival strategy.

We've been talking about and responding to this complex picture since 2005 and even though we didn't fully understand, or have a name for it, we have always worked intuitively to respond to and support the individual needs in treatment. It is only in the last few years that the conversation around mental health has begun to include a deeper understanding of neurodivergence—a term that describes natural variations in how people think, feel, and process information in their environment.

Autism, ADHD, and sensory processing differences fall under this umbrella. At the same time, we're gaining insight into how neurodivergence can profoundly influence the development and experience of eating disorders.

Among those most impacted are people living with Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Binge Eating Disorder (BED), and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). These are not just issues of food or weight—they often intersect with how a person experiences the world neurologically.

Anorexia Nervosa and Autism Spectrum Traits

Research shows a significant overlap between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Anorexia Nervosa, particularly in women and girls. Shared traits such as rigid thinking, sensory sensitivities, perfectionism, hypervigilance, attention to detail, and a preference for routines can make restrictive eating feel comforting with high levels of predictability and certainty, a highly rewarding feedback loop.

For autistic individuals, anorexia may not be driven primarily by body image concerns (as is often assumed), but by a need for predictability, sensory regulation, or coping with overwhelm. Sadly, so many autistic traits in females are underrecognised, leading to misdiagnoses or delayed treatment.

Binge Eating Disorder and ADHD

There is a growing recognition of the link between ADHD and Binge Eating Disorder. People with ADHD often struggle with impulse control, emotional regulation, and executive functioning—all of which can contribute to patterns of binge eating. Food may become a way to self-soothe during moments of dysregulation or boredom.

Because ADHD can make it difficult to plan meals, recognise hunger/fullness cues, or resist cravings, individuals find themselves stuck in a cycle of guilt and shame. Without accurate diagnosis and non judgemental support, BED can be wrongly attributed to a lack of willpower rather than understood through a neurodivergent lens.

ARFID and Sensory Sensitivities

ARFID is characterised by extreme preferences and or food avoidance and is not linked to body image. It is especially prevalent in people with Autism, Sensory Processing and Anxiety Disorders. For someone with sensory sensitivities, the smell, texture and appearance of food can trigger intense aversions or fear of a particular sensory experience with food. It can can feel ‘wrong’ as an internal experience so avoidant behaviours make sense to the individual.

ARFID is often misunderstood as being "just picky eating," but for neurodivergent individuals, it can lead to significant nutritional deficiencies, social isolation, and distress. Supporting someone with ARFID requires a trauma-informed, sensory-aware approach—not forceful exposure or pressure to eat because this will cause trauma and may lead to the development of other eating disorders with increased distress and greater risk to wellbeing.

Neurodiversity-affirming care is not just aspirational, it is essential

For everyone, the key is to listen deeply, validate lived experience, and tailor interventions to fit each individual’s unique neurotype.

That means:

• Screening for neurodivergent traits in eating disorder assessments

• Adapting therapy styles to be sensory-friendly and flexible

• Respecting autonomy and offering choices, not control

• Working collaboratively to understand the why behind behaviours

The future of eating disorder recovery lies in embracing neurodiversity—not trying to “fix” it. When we meet people where they are, healing becomes not only possible but sustainable.