Exploring the link between Eating Disorders & Neurodivergence

Eating disorders are overrepresented in neurodivergent individuals. Research suggests that up to one-third of people with eating disorders are neurodivergent. 

What does neurodivergent mean? 

Neurodivergent is an umbrella term used to describe people whose minds work a little differently from what society considers ‘typical’ and as such, may experience themselves and the world in ways that differ from people who aren’t neurodivergent (sometimes referred to as neurotypical). These differences are traits to be embraced and supported as opposed to be being viewed as deficits. 

This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Autism

• ADHD (Attention Hyperactivity Disorders)

• Specific learning disorders e.g., dyslexia 

• Intellectual disability

How common are eating disorders in neurodivergent people? 

Research suggest that neurodivergent people are more likely to develop an eating disorder than neurotypical people. With studies finding that;

• Around 1 in 3 people with anorexia nervosa are Autistic 

• Up to 1 in 2 people with ARFID (Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) are Autistic

• People with ADHD are up to four times more likely to have an eating disorders, most commonly bulimia or binge eating disorder 

Research into the relationship between other forms of neurodivergence, like combined Autism and ADHD (ADHD) and eating disorders is still limited. 

How being neurodivergent may influence eating

Differences in thinking, feeling, communicating, interacting and learning can influence a neurodivergent person’s relationship with food, eating and their body. While these differences don’t necessarily cause eating disorders they can contribute to the development, or unique experience of an eating disorder.

So what do these differences look like? 

Graph: How being neurodivergent may influence eating

The role of stress and masking 

Many neurodivergent people experience minority stress, that is, the stress arising from experiences of discrimination, stigmatisation and exclusion. In response, many neurodivergent people may mask - that is, hide their true selves, suppress certain characteristics or behaviours to appear more neurotypical and fit in or avoid rejection.

How is this linked to eating disorders?

For some, attempts to feel accepted and fit in might manifest in restriction and losing weight to conform to societal standards of beauty. For others it may be that the eating disorder develops a way to cope with the anxiety and identity confusion that occurs from masking. 

Overlapping identities 🏳️‍🌈

Many neurodivergent people belong to the LGBTQIA+ community. In fact, research suggests that autistic people and ADHDer’s are up to seven times more likely to identify as transfer gender or non-binary compared with neurotypical people. 

At the same time, we know that members of the LGBTQIA+ community are more likely to experience eating disorders than those who don’t identify as part of this community. This means the likelihood of experiencing an eating disorders is greater for someone who identifies as both neurodivergent and part of the LGBTQIA+.  It’s important to consider the impact of these identities on a person’s eating disorder experience and recovery. 

What neuroaffirming support looks like

Neurodivergence is often overlooked, misdiagnosed or misunderstood, especially in those assigned female at birth, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Likewise, eating disorders are also frequently missed or not treated effectively. 

Getting a diagnosis can be an important step in understanding yourself and development a positive neurodivergent identity. This in turn can be a powerful part of recovery, supporting someone to feel more connected to neurodivergent community, develop a positive sense of self and build self compassion.  

Eating disorder support for neurodivergent people should treat the whole person, not just the disorder. Neuroaffirming treatment means affirming who they are, working with their strengths and tailoring the treatment to support differences. 

What does this look like in practice? 

• Accomodating sensory needs

  • Adapting food options and eating environments like offering;

    • Dim lighting

    • Wearing headphones

    • Not insisting on eating at the table

    • Eating alone

• Supporting structure around eating

  • Creating routines and reminders to eat

  • Helping with buying and preparing meals

  • Allowing distractions while eating

• Building awareness of hunger and fullness cues

  • Supporting someone to connect with their unique hunger and fullness cues, what feels like ‘intuitive eating’ for neurotypical people might be quite different for a neurodivergent person! 

• Affirming language

  • Focusing on choice

  • Respecting autonomy

  • Validating strengths and reducing unnecessary demands or rules

Further support and resources

Diagnosis, assessment and treatment 

Eating Disorders Neurodiversity Australia - peer support, resources and self-advocacy tools.

Peace Pathway  - resources on and support for eating disorders and autism. 

Main source used: 

Cobbaert, L. & Rose, A. (2023). Eating Disorders and Neurodivergence: A Stepped Care Approach. Commissioned by National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC).