It’s NOT “the eating disorder talking” with Ash

When I was in eating disorder treatment, I was told “it’s the eating disorder talking” more times than I can remember.

👉 I was told “It’s your eating disorder talking” when I asked to see the menu before we went on a restaurant outing.

👉 I was told “It’s your eating disorder talking” when I said that gaining weight made me want to crawl out of my skin.

👉 I was asked “Is your eating disorder in the room with us?” when our family therapist told my mom she had to get rid of all my protein bars and powders when I begged them not to.

I don’t think I have to tell you how traumatizing this whole “ED talking” narrative can be for neurodivergent folks. Not only because it’s downright invalidating, but because our “ED behaviors” are manifestations of autism and/or ADHD!

Because neurodivergent traits are an inherent part of an individual’s identity, trying to eliminate their manifestation – without inviting curiosity to healthier alternatives – will only make them feel MORE unsafe, causing them to cling even tighter to the eating adaptation.

Of course, not ALL manifestations of neurodivergent traits are beneficial. But that doesn’t mean we need to pathologize them. My adaptive view of eating “disorders” doesn’t discredit the fact that adaptive can also mean maladaptive…which leads us to the question: “How can we respect neurodivergence while simultaneously challenging harmful fear-based behaviors?”

This is exactly what Ash and I talk about in today’s episode! Fresh out of the Autistically ED-Free Academy, Ash joins me to share how he’s shifted fear-based ED behaviors into love-based autistic accommodations. Through concrete examples – including using a food scale, eating in a specific order, and eating “diet” foods due to sensory preferences – we discuss how to use your neurodivergent traits to your advantage on the discovery journey.

Speaking of discovery, we also dive DEEP into the problem with “recovery” and how you will never go back to the person you were before you developed the eating adaptation. Both Ash and I now embrace discovery, the infinite process of adapting your identity into one that aligns with your essence. And if you want to go even deeper and discover freedom for yourself or someone you care for, join us for the next cohort of the Autistically ED-Free Academy! https://www.livlabelfree.com/group