High rates of eating disorders occur among neurodivergent people, particularly those with autism and ADHD. Limited understanding of links between neurodivergence and eating disorders contributes to poorer treatment outcomes for neurodivergent individuals compared with neurotypical peers. Neurodivergent differences include sensory processing, communication and socializing, thinking and learning styles, gender identity, sexual orientation, sex diversity, and executive functioning. These differences can directly or indirectly create multiple pathways to disordered eating, eating disorders, and body image disturbance. Incorporating lived experiences and adapting standards of care can enable more affirming, innovative, and inclusive interventions to improve treatment outcomes.
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 treatment. These considerations come from the research article referenced above called Neurodivergence, Intersectionality, and Eating Disorders: A Lived-Experience-Led Narrative Review. We need to incorporate people's stories and experiences into treatment, with the ultimate goal of developing more affirming, innovative, and inclusive interventions for eating disorders in hopes of improving treatment outcomes.
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