Autism & Eating Disorders Explained: Signs, Struggles, & Support That Works

Autistic individuals are significantly more likely to experience eating disorders—but the signs often go unrecognized, and traditional treatment models frequently fall short. In this solo episode, Dr. Marianne explains the unique ways eating disorders show up in autistic people, why those struggles are often misunderstood, and what kind of support actually helps.

You’ll learn about the sensory, emotional, and social dimensions of disordered eating in autistic individuals, the high rates of ARFID and anorexia in this population, and why interoception, masking, and shutdowns often complicate recovery.

Most importantly, this episode explores the power of neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed care—care that adapts to the client rather than forcing the client to adapt to the system.

Whether you’re autistic, suspect you might be, or support someone who is, this episode offers validation, clarity, and a path forward that doesn’t rely on shame or compliance.

🔍 TOPICS COVERED:

Signs of eating disorders in autistic people that providers often miss

Why ARFID, anorexia, and binge eating are more common in neurodivergent folks

The effects of interoception, sensory sensitivities, and social overwhelm

Why traditional treatment can retraumatize autistic clients

What neurodivergent-affirming eating disorder support actually looks like

How to find care that respects sensory needs, communication differences, and autonomy

📚 ADDITIONAL RESEARCH:

Up to 35% of women with anorexia meet criteria for autism

Autistic individuals are up to 5 times more likely to develop an eating disorder

ARFID co-occurs with autism in up to 33% of cases

💡 LOOKING FOR SUPPORT DESIGNED FOR NEURODIVERGENT (ND) INDIVIDUALS + PROVIDERS OF ND CLIENTS + PARENTS OF ND TEENS & CHILDREN?Check out Dr. Marianne’s ARFID and Selective Eating Course, created for autistic teens and adults, parents, and providers.👉 https://www.drmariannemiller.com/arfid

🎧 LISTEN TO OTHER EPISODES ON AUTISM, NEURODIVERSITY, & EATING DISORDERS

Stuck on Empty: Autistic Inertia, ARFID & the Struggle to Eat via Apple & SpotifyMinding the Gap: The Intersection Between AuDHD & Eating Disorders With Stacie Fanelli, LCSW @edadhd_therapist via Apple & SpotifySet-Shifting, AuDHD, & Eating Disorders via Apple & Spotify.Our Personal Neurodivergent Stories via Apple & Spotify.

INTERESTED IN HANGING OUT MORE IN DR. MARIANNE-LAND?

Follow me on Instagram @drmariannemillerCheck out my virtual, self-paced ARFID and Selective Eating courseLook into my self-paced, virtual, anti-diet, subscription-based curriculum. It is called Dr. Marianne-Land's Binge Eating Recovery Membership.Live in California, Texas, or Washington D.C. and interested in eating disorder therapy with me? Sign up for a free, 15-minute phone consultation HERE or via my website, and I'll get you to where you need to be!Check out my blog.Want more information? Email me at hello@mariannemiller.com

Welcome to this mental health and eating disorder podcast by Dr. Marianne Miller, who is an eating disorder therapist and binge eating and ARFID course creator. In this podcast, Dr. Marianne explores the ins and outs of eating disorder recovery. It’s a top podcast for people struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder), and any sort of distressed eating. We discuss topics like neurodiversity and eating disorders, self-compassion in eating disorder recovery, lived experience of eating disorders, LGBTQ+ and eating disorders, as well as anti-fat bias, weight-neutral fitness, muscularity-oriented issues, and body image. Dr. Marianne has been an eating disorder therapist for 13 years and has created a course on ARFID and selective eating, as well as a membership to help you recover from binge eating disorder and bulimia. Dr. Marianne has been in mental health for 28 years. Dr. Marianne is neurodivergent and works with a lot of neurodivergent folks. She has fully recovered from an eating disorder that lasted 25 years, and she wants to share her experience, knowledge, and recovery joy with you! Her interview episodes with top eating disorder professionals drop on Tuesdays. You can also tune in on Fridays when Dr. Marianne’s SOLO episodes that come out. You’ll hear personal stories, tips, and strategies to help you in your eating disorder recovery journey. If you’re struggling with food, eating, body image, and mental health, this podcast is for you!

• No. of episodes: 182
• Latest episode: 2025-07-18
• Health & Fitness Mental Health

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