Understanding the Intersection of Eating Disorders and Neurodivergence: What You Need to Know
image from upsplash
When it comes to eating disorder treatment, one thing is for sure- there are SO many groups of people that have been underrepresented, or that standard models of care tend to overlook. One of these areas is most certainly neurodivergent individuals who also have eating disorders. This is an intersection that has been receiving increasing attention in both research and clinical practice- and all I can say is thank goodness. Many people are surprised to learn how frequently these two experiences overlap. But as a clinician in the field of eating disorders (Hi there- Dr. Colleen Reichmann here!) and also as someone who has felt the impact of neurodivergence in my personal life in so many ways), I can attest to how absolutely essential it is that we have a more nuanced understanding of how eating disorder and neurodivergence intersect.
As eating disorder therapists based in Pennsylvania, serving clients throughout Philadelphia and the Main Line area, we frequently work with individuals navigating both eating disorders and neurodivergence-including ADHDers, and autistic folks. In this post, we’ll explore what neurodivergence is, how it relates to eating disorders, and why it’s critical to find specialized, affirming care if you or a loved one is living with both.
So What Is Neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term that is used to describe brain differences that affect how individuals experience, interact with, and interpret the world. This includes conditions like:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Sensory Processing Disorder
Learning disabilities
And others!
These neurotypes are natural variations in human cognitions-like height and eye color. They are not deficits- they are brain differences. This is very important for the field of eating disorders (and everyone, to be quite honest) to understand. Neurodivergent people often possess unique strengths and perspectives. For example, a recent study shows that, while researchers used to assume that autistic folks have slower processing speed, autistic brains are actually processing a much larger amount of information at any given moment as compared allistic brains.
Eating Disorders at a Glance
Eating disorders are serious, complex mental health conditions characterized by disordered eating behaviors, distressing thoughts about food and body image-all of which have significant impacts on emotional and physical well-being. Common types include:
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
Eating disorders can affect people of any gender, age, size, race, or background. In Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and the Main Line area, there have been a growing need for inclusive, trauma-informed care to address these conditions effectively.
The Overlap Between Eating Disorders and Neurodivergence
Recent research (and our own clinical experience here are Wildflower Therapy) highlights a significant overlap between neurodivergent individuals and those who develop eating disorders.
Here’s what we know:
1. High Co-Occurrence Rates
Studies suggest that up to 20-35% of people with eating disorders may also meet criteria for autism.
Studies also show that ADHD-ers have an occurance rate or around 20% for eating disorders (across the spectrum of eating disorders.) Individuals with ADHD tend to be at a heightened risk for binge eating, bulimia, and impulsive eating behaviors.
Sensory processing differences, common in neurodivergent populations, often contribute to restrictive eating patterns or food aversions, which can lead to diagnoses like ARFID.
2. Shared Traits May Increase Risk
Certain characteristics commonly associated with neurodivergence may increase susceptibility to developing an eating disorder. Some of these include:
Rigid thinking and rule-bound behavior
Sensory sensitivities (to textures, smells, or temperatures)
Social anxiety or difficulties with social communication
Difficulty identifying or regulating emotions (alexithymia)
Need for routine and predictability
In environments where thinness is over-valued, or where food-related social interactions feel layed and complicated, these traits can compound risk factors.
3. Underdiagnosis and Misdiagnosis
Many neurodivergent individuals, especially women and nonbinary people, are historically underdiagnosed. This is due in part to outdated diagnostic criteria and societal biases. As a society, we have long assumed that ADHD, for example, is a disorder that occurs in young males, and is mainly expressed as hyperactivity and distruptive behaviors. ( This is false) As a result, neurodivergent traits may go unnoticed in those who have more internalized experiences of neurodivergence. Additionally, reseachers and clinicians have not historically associated ADHD and autism with eating disorders- so those receiving eating disorder treatment have long gone unrecognized as also being neurodivergent (if there was an unaddressed overlap).
image from Upsplash
Why Specialized Care Matters
Recognizing the intersection between neurodivergence and eating disorders is absolutely vital for effective treatment. Traditional eating disorder therapy models were largely developed without considering the unique needs of neurodivergent clients. Here’s why that matters:
Sensory needs: Meal plans or exposure tasks that ignore sensory sensitivities can lead to increased distress and disengagement. Sensory needs are actually easier understood as safety needs in our opinion- a person with heightened sensory needs requires attention to them, in order to actually feel safe around food for any sustained length of time.
Social communication differences: Group therapy settings or social recovery approaches might not feel accessible or safe for everyone.
Cognitive rigidity: Approaches that rely heavily on cognitive flexibility (like CBT for example) without adapting for neurodivergent thinking patterns can fall flat.
Masking behaviors: Neurodivergent clients may “mask” their symptoms to fit into neurotypical norms (because this is such a common practice in our neuronormative society), which makes it harder for providers to actualy help with underlying issues.
In our therapy practice serving Philadelphia and the Main Line area, we prioritize creating affirming, individualized care plans that honor neurodivergent identities and experiences while addressing the complexities of eating disorders.
What Inclusive, Neurodiversity-Affirming Eating Disorder Treatment Looks Like
If you or a loved one is navigating both neurodivergence and an eating disorder, here’s what to look for in a therapist or treatment program:
1. Experience with Both Eating Disorders and Neurodivergence
Look for providers who understand the unique ways these conditions intersect. Therapists should be trained in recognizing how neurodivergent traits influence eating behaviors and be prepared to adapt their approaches accordingly. This should be very evident on their website, but you can also ask for more information about how they individualize their approach in the initial phone call.
2. Sensory-Friendly Treatment Planning
Food choices, meal environments, and coping tools should be tailored to individual sensory profiles. This can involve adjusting textures, temperatures, or meal pacing — with an emphasis on comfort and safety rather than compliance.
3. Flexible, Client-Centered Approaches
Rigid treatment protocols may not serve neurodivergent clients well. Look for providers who offer flexible, individualized plans that account for cognitive styles, communication preferences, and executive functioning challenges.
4. Neurodiversity-Affirming Language and Values
Healing is fostered in environments where neurodivergent traits are valued, not pathologized. Therapists should avoid framing differences as deficits and instead focus on strengths-based, collaborative care.
5. Trauma-Informed Care
Many neurodivergent individuals have a history of trauma — whether related to bullying, medical experiences, or societal marginalization. Eating disorder treatment must be trauma-informed to be truly effective.
6. Therapists with lived experience
Clients often find it helpful to have therapists with lived experience of neurodivergence, due to how hard it can be for neurotypical brains to “get” just how hard life can feel in this society as someone who has a brain that works differently.
Finding an Eating Disorder Therapist in PA, Philadelphia, and the Main Line
If you’re searching for an eating disorder therapist in Pennsylvania, or more specifically in Philadelphia or the Main Line area, it’s important to find a provider who understands this complex intersection.
Individualized therapy for eating disorders
Support for neurodivergent clients, including those with autism, ADHD, and OCD
Neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed approaches
Telehealth options for clients throughout Pennsylvania
We recognize that no two recovery journeys are the same — and we are committed to providing inclusive, compassionate care that honors each person’s unique neurotype and lived experience.
Final Thoughts
The intersection of eating disorders and neurodivergence is an area that deserves more visibility, research, and clinical nuance. Too often, neurodivergent individuals are overlooked in eating disorder treatment spaces, or their neurodivergent traits are pathologized in ways that hinder rather than help recovery.
By increasing awareness, advocating for neurodiversity-affirming practices, and providing individualized care, we can help more people access the treatment they deserve.
If you or someone you love is navigating both neurodivergence and an eating disorder, you are NOT alone. With the right support, healing is possible.
Looking for an Eating Disorder Therapist in Philadelphia, PA, or the Main Line?
We’re here to help. Our practice offers inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming therapy for eating disorders in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re in Philadelphia, the Main Line area, or seeking virtual support anywhere in the state, we’d love to connect.
Reach out today for a free consultation and learn how we can support your unique recovery journey.