Eating disorders and neurodivergence
Autistic people and people with ADHD are more likely to have an eating disorder, and are often missed or misunderstood in treatment. Being neurodivergent isn’t something to fix, but your care should fit the way your brain works.
Why are they linked?
Researchers are still learning, and everyone is different. These are some of the reasons neurodivergent people may find food and eating harder.
- Sensory differencesTastes, textures, smells, temperatures and noisy, bright places to eat can feel overwhelming. Sticking to safe foods makes sense, and for some people it grows into ARFID.
- Noticing body signals (interoception)It can be harder to notice hunger, fullness or thirst, so meals get missed or eating feels out of step with what your body needs.
- Routine and samenessPredictable food can feel calming and safe. Over time, food rules can become rigid and hard to change.
- Anxiety, masking and burnoutCoping in a world that isn’t built for you is exhausting. Controlling food can become a way to manage stress or feel in control.
- ADHDForgetting to eat while hyperfocused, then eating a lot later, impulsivity, and seeking comfort or stimulation can all play a part, especially in binge eating. Some ADHD medication also affects appetite.
- Late or missed diagnosisMany people, especially women and girls, aren’t diagnosed as autistic or ADHD until adulthood, sometimes only after eating disorder treatment hasn’t helped.
How common is it?
- 70%of autistic children have issues with food or eating
- 20–35%of women with anorexia nervosa meet the criteria for autism
- 21%of autistic people experience ARFID in their lifetime
- Up to26%of people diagnosed with ARFID also have ADHD
Sources
Children and anorexia nervosa figures: Mayes & Zickgraf (2019) and Brede et al. (2020), as summarised by Eating Disorders Victoria, Eating disorders and autism.
ARFID figures: Butterfly Foundation, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). ADHD and binge eating: scoping review (2025), which found autism and ADHD are more common in people with bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder. Research in this area is growing and estimates vary.
What neurodiversity-affirming care looks like
Neurodiversity-affirming care sees autism and ADHD as part of who you are. It changes how treatment is done, so it works for you.
It respects your needs
- Your sensory needs and safe foods are taken seriously
- Changes happen slowly, at your pace, without pressure or force
- Spaces and appointments are sensory friendly, with telehealth if that’s easier
It understands you
- Your clinicians can tell autistic or ADHD traits (like routine or sensory preferences) apart from eating disorder thoughts
- Treatments like CBT and family-based treatment are adapted, not one size fits all
- Stimming, special interests and needing time alone aren’t treated as problems
It communicates clearly
- Plans are written down, clear and predictable
- You get time to process, and different ways to answer (talking, writing or typing)
- No pressure to make eye contact or ‘act’ neurotypical
You deserve care that fits you
Recovery is possible for neurodivergent people too, and the earlier you get support, the better. A good first step is your GP, or the Butterfly Helpline on 1800 33 4673.
Tips for getting support
- Tell your GP you’re autistic or ADHD (or think you might be), and ask for a clinician who is neurodiversity affirming.
- Write a one-page ‘about me’ to bring along: your sensory needs, safe foods, what helps and how you communicate best.
- It’s okay to ask for changes, such as written plans, telehealth, a quieter waiting room or a support person.
- If a treatment isn’t working for you, say so. Needing a different path isn’t failing.
Reframing Autism has resources on finding neurodiversity-affirming support.
Helpful organisations
- National Eating Disorders Collaboration: eating disorders and neurodivergence
Information sheets by Eating Disorders Neurodiversity Australia (EDNA) for neurodivergent people, carers and health professionals.
- Butterfly: navigating recovery as a neurodivergent person
Lived experience and practical tips. Butterfly also has a podcast episode on autism and eating disorders.
- Eating Disorders Families Australia: guide for parents and carers
Supporting neurodivergent young people with eating disorders.
- PEACE Pathway (UK)
Autism-friendly eating disorder resources, including sensory and communication tips.
- Autism Connect 1300 308 699
Amaze’s national autism helpline, by phone, email or webchat.
You can recover. You are not alone ❤️
Read how others found their way through recovery.