What is neurodivergence, and why are we hearing it so much, all of a sudden?
Neurodivergence may feel like a buzzword, but it’s actually been around for a while. It was a term coined to refer to individuals whose neurological development differs from “the norm” or “standard.” It typically is used in the context of individuals with diagnoses of autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, but also includes persistent mental health diagnoses such as anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and conditions such as epilepsy or sensory processing disorder. Obviously, this list is not exhaustive, but if you identify with any of the above “diagnoses,” then you are part of the neurodivergent team (and trust me, it’s a pretty awesome team).
So, what does all of this have to do with my other specialties, such as eating disorders and perfectionism? Well, quite a lot, actually.
For adults who are ADHD, the MOST likely co-occuring disorder is an eating disorder.
For children, 20% of those who are diagnosed with ADHD will also develop an eating disorder. Which, when you think about it, there are a lot of overlaps. In fact, a 2015 study showed that there was a shared deficit in set-shifting, working memory, and inhibitory control between the two diagnoses. People who struggle with binge-eating may understand the impulsive nature of ADHD. And those who struggle with restricting may feel a sense of power, or increase in dopamine, which can be something an ADHD brain craves.
Similarly, autistic individuals can experience many symptoms that overlap with eating disorders, specifically around food rigidity, and food rules. Whereas ADHD individuals crave spontaneity and change, autistic people crave predictability and structure. And then we have our AuDHDers who want both! An eating disorder and/or perfectionism can serve a function in both scenarios.
Also under the neurodivergence umbrella is Sensory Processing Disorder. What may start out as a sensory issue (such as a dislike of a food texture) can morph into an eating disorder when culturally it becomes a point of pride to look a certain way, or maintain a certain body type.
So, what does all of this mean, and what does it have to do with my practice? I have experience working with autistic, ADHD, SPD, HSP individuals and we come up with a way to approach an eating disorder from a neuroaffirming lens. If you have never been able to stand the texture of pudding, that is not a food we are going to push. If you have always preferred to wear leggings only, then we aren’t going to have a goal of wearing jeans, just because in some treatment plans, that is a “challenge.” I want to meet you where you are, with sensitivity and understanding, while also supporting you to live your life in a way that reduces barriers and feels authentic.
Reach out today to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if I may be a good fit for your therapy needs.