Eating

Eating can be more challenging for some neurodivergent young people than it is for others. Differences in sensory processing, routines, communication, emotions and body awareness can all influence a young person’s relationship with food. These challenges may present in different ways, including eating a very limited range of foods or eating more than expected. Understanding the reasons behind these behaviours is important, as they are often not simply a matter of choice or preference

Restrictive feeding/eating

It can be common for neurodivergent people to have restrictive patterns of what they will and will not eat. In most cases, this does not require intervention, but when there is an impact on health and functioning we may need to discuss further actions.

Why the link with restrictive eating

• Sensory processing differences- This includes all the senses, texture, taste, smell or even the way the food looks. Sensory processing differences can also be in relation to the eating environment itself.
• Routine and repetition- If people are looking for predictability in food they will often turn to processed packet food such as crisps, chips, chicken nuggets. These foods can feel safe and comforting because the taste, texture, and overall experience are consistent every time.
• Hyper fixation cycles- neurodivergent individuals may hyper fixate on food and eat the same food or meals repeatedly. Hyper fixations can change suddenly, resulting in a person missing a meal and not eating that food again.
• Poor Awareness of Hunger/Fullness Cues – Neurodivergent people may struggle to respond to body signals like hunger, thirst and fullness. They may also struggle with knowing when to use the toilet, and constipation can occur, which in turn may reduce appetite.

Coping techniques

• Safe food list– identify your child’s go to foods that feel manageable- the number of safe foods can vary day to day.
• Exposure- slowly introduce similar textures, colours and flavours in a safe environment, and allow your child the option of saying no. Having food nearby gives them a chance to become familiar and engage at their own pace.
• Nervous system regulation- use sensory tools or grounding techniques to help your child feel calmer
• Scaffolding routines- some people find it helpful to plan meals in advance.

Overfeeding/ Overeating

It can also be common for neurodivergent people to experience patterns of compulsive eating and binge eating. In most cases, this does not require intervention, but when there is an impact on health and functioning we may need to discuss further actions. 

Why the link with overeating

• Impulsive Eating: Having difficulties with impulse control can lead to unplanned, spontaneous eating. These will often be high calorie “reward” foods to stimulate dopamine production in the brain. 

• Emotional Eating: Food can be used as a coping mechanism to manage strong emotions, boredom, frustration, or sadness. Food can also be very soothing for some children because of how it feels, tastes or smells 

• Forgetting to Eat/Irregular Meals: Neurodivergent individuals can lose track of time and forget to eat for hours, which may result in extreme feeling of hunger and then binge eating. 

• Executive Function Challenges: Difficulties with planning, organisation, and time management can be a barrier to healthy eating habits. This impacts on tasks such as food shopping and meal planning. This can lead to a reliance on convenient, ultra processed, fast-food options. 

• Poor Awareness of Hunger/Fullness Cues Neurodivergent people may struggle to respond to body signals like hunger, thirst and fullness. This can result in irregular eating patterns, such as forgetting to eat for hours and subsequent bingeing later. 

Coping techniques

• Practice Mindful Eating: Focus solely on the act of eating without distractions (like TV or phones) to become more aware of emotional triggers, taste, texture, and physical hunger/fullness cues. 

• Establish Structured Mealtimes: Plan and schedule regular times to eat both meals and snacks throughout the day to prevent extreme hunger and impulsive food choices. 

• Meal Prep and Healthy Options: Plan balanced and satisfying meals that include protein, fibre, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats (such as omega-3s) that help us feel full and balance our energy throughout the day.  Have healthy, easy to access choices available to reduce reliance on processed foods, these can include nuts and fruits. 

• Putting another activity in the place of food: If you think you impulse eat, when you notice the impulse, try and do something else instead, like eat a mint, have a drink or go for a walk. These actions can start to strengthen your impulse control. 

Dietary changes should not replace medical treatment. Consult a healthcare provider before making significant diet changes, as some supplements or diets may interact with ADHD medications.