Is it Neurodivergence or Eating Disordered? Why untangling the two is crucial for treatment

As eating disorder clinicians, we face a unique challenge in our practice: differentiating between neurodivergent eating patterns and eating disorder behaviours.

This distinction is vital for providing effective, person-centered care that both honours neurodiversity and supports eating disorder recovery.

Through our clinical experience, we've identified five key considerations that can help practitioners navigate this complexity:

1. Intent and motivation are crucial differentiators. While similar behaviours may present in both cases, the underlying drivers often differ significantly. Neurodivergent eating patterns typically stem from sensory processing needs and executive functioning differences, whereas ED behaviours are generally driven by thoughts about weight, shape, and control.
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2. Historical context provides valuable insights. Examining whether certain eating patterns existed prior to ED onset can help distinguish longstanding neurodivergent traits from ED behaviours.
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3. Approaching assessment holistically is essential. Looking at patterns of consistency, routine, and sensory sensitivities across all areas of life - not just eating - can provide clearer indicators of neurodivergent traits.
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4. Explore the client’s emotional experiences around food. Neurodivergent individuals often describe sensory overwhelm or executive functioning challenges, while ED-driven behaviours typically involve fear, guilt, and rigid rules about food.
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5. Remember - these patterns can co-exist. The goal isn't to label behaviour as exclusively one or the other, but to understand how they interact to provide more effective, personalised support.

The intersection of neurodivergence and eating disorders remains an evolving area of clinical practice. 

📚 Access our comprehensive checklists to untangle neurodivergence with disordered eating - they are a free resource that we believe every ED clinician should have in their toolkit:
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Autism or Eating Disordered
ADHD or Eating Disordered
AuDHD or Eating Disordered

For training in this area, check out our Neuroaffirming Approach to Working With Eating Disorders