Understanding the connection between food, emotions, and neurodiversity.

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Our relationship with food can be influenced by many things, including stress, emotions, sensory experiences, executive functioning, body image, and anxiety. For some people, ADHD, autism (ASD), and anxiety can play an important role in their relationship with food and eating.

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You don't need to have a diagnosis, or meet a specific definition, to seek support.

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ADHD, Autism & Eating

For some individuals eating can sometimes be affected by things such as:

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• Difficulty noticing hunger or fullness cues

• Executive functioning challenges

• Forgetting to eat or difficulty getting started with meals

• Sensory sensitivities around food

• Strong preferences or limited food choices

• Emotional regulation and using food as a coping strategy

• Routines, rigidity, or difficulty with changes

• Feeling overwhelmed by meal planning and preparation

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These experiences can sometimes create stress or complicated feelings around food.

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Anxiety & Food

Anxiety can also affect the way we experience eating and our bodies.

You may find yourself experiencing:

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• Worry or anxiety around food

• Fear of judgment or body changes

• Rigid rules around eating

• Body dissatisfaction

• Guilt or shame

• Using food to cope with difficult emotions

• Feeling overwhelmed by thoughts about food or your body

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A Compassionate, Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

Therapy can be a space to understand why food and eating have become difficult without judgment or shame. Together, we can explore the connection between your thoughts, emotions, nervous system, sensory needs, and eating patterns. The goal isn't perfection or following someone else's idea of how you "should" eat. It's about developing greater understanding, flexibility, self-compassion, and support for your individual needs.

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You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone

If you're struggling with your relationship with food, you're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out by yourself. Disordered eating support is available in Cobourg, Ontario, and online across Ontario. Depending on your needs, therapy may be one part of your support team. Working alongside a physician, registered dietitian, or eating-disorder specialist may also be recommended.

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Ready to Get Started?

Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation

A short conversation to learn more about your concerns and see if therapy feels like the right fit for you.