No Food Rules? Popular ED Recovery Advice That Does NOT Work For Autistic People
Feb 20, 2024
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Livia, an advocate for neurodivergent individuals, discusses why popular eating disorder recovery advice of letting go of food rules may not work for autistic people. She emphasizes the importance of structure and predictability in the recovery process to reduce anxiety and overcome challenges.
Interoceptive awareness challenges in neurodivergent individuals hinder intuitive eating, making food rules beneficial for structure and health.
Establishing personalized food rules can reduce anxiety, foster trust, challenge eating disorder behaviors, and promote self-love.
Deep dives
Neurodivergent Individuals and Interoceptive Awareness
Neurodivergent individuals often struggle with interoceptive awareness, the ability to monitor their body's internal signals. Lack of interoceptive awareness can make intuitive eating challenging. Having food rules like eating breakfast within an hour of waking up provides structure and predictability for neurodivergent individuals, aiding in optimal health.
Reducing Anxiety Through Food Rules for Autistic Individuals
For autistic individuals, having food rules can reduce anxiety by providing a sense of trust and predictability in a world that often feels unsafe. Establishing food rules based on personal needs and preferences can improve functionality and overall quality of life. These rules can serve as tools for recovery from eating disorders by challenging behaviors rooted in fear and fostering self-love.
Creating Order and Flexibility Through Rules for Personal Growth
Setting rules that stem from love and personal values helps create order and support personal growth. Rules can be adjusted over time to adapt to changing needs and promote self-trust. Whether following strict rules or living spontaneously, individuals should embrace and respect their unique differences to foster harmony and personal fulfillment.
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Exploring Food Rules and Recovery for Autistic Individuals
You see the message everywhere: if you want to recover from an eating disorder, you have to let go of all the rules around food! While this may sound like the ultimate form of food freedom, it can hinder neurodivergent people from reaching their unique version of food freedom. In this episode, Livia share 3 reasons why food rules may be helpful for neurodivergent individuals.