People with eating disorders are more likely to be autistic, have ADHD, or experience other forms of neurodivergence. Yet many clinicians report uncertainty about how neurodivergent traits may influence eating disorder presentations, treatment engagement, communication, sensory experiences, and recovery.
Developed by the PEACE Plus Pathway, this neurodiversity-informed guide brings together current evidence, clinical expertise, and lived experience perspectives to support healthcare professionals in delivering more accessible and effective care. The resource provides practical recommendations for recognising neurodivergent needs, adapting treatment approaches, supporting sensory and emotional regulation, and working collaboratively across services.
Topics covered include autism and ADHD screening, treatment adaptations, communication strategies, executive functioning support, sensory processing, emotional regulation, multidisciplinary working, and considerations relating to ADHD medication within eating disorder treatment. The guide aims to help clinicians provide compassionate, personalised, and neurodiversity-informed care for individuals experiencing eating disorders and co-occurring autism and/or ADHD.
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Join us online on 20 May 2026 for the PEACE Pathway Conference: Neurodiversity and Eating Disorders. The conference will explore the evolution of the PEACE Pathway toward a neurodivergent-informed service model and share insights from clinical practice, research, and co-production within eating disorder services.
Robert shares his and his wife’s experience and advice in caring for a child with autism and an eating disorder.
A neurodiversity-informed guide for patients with an eating disorder, with a focus on autism and ADHD. This resource offers practical information and strategies grounded in lived experience and clinical expertise.
