Episode 53: The Intersection of Autism and Eating Disorders [featuring Livia Sara]

Autism and eating disorders have a complex relationship that until more recent years has been overlooked often resulting in traumatic approaches to recovery and a misunderstanding of the experience and mindset of Autistic individuals struggling with disordered eating. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Livia Sara, a recognized autism advocate in the eating disorder recovery space, author, and podcast host, to dissect the intricate relationships between autism, eating disorders, and the neurodivergent experience. Together, they share personal experiences and professional insights, diving into a conversation that's both deeply personal and universally relevant. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Gain a deeper understanding of how eating disorders manifest differently in the neurodivergent community, including unique challenges and how Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) can be mistaken for eating disorders. Explore the power of autonomy and control in the context of both fueling disordered eating and being the deciding factor in recovery, which offers a better understanding of eating disorders within the neurodivergent framework. Hear personal firsthand accounts of both struggles with and recovery from eating disorders, addiction, and other unhealthy coping mechanisms in an effort to seek control of a body that feels foreign. We hope this conversation will offer more depth and understanding of the neurodivergent experience and disordered eating in supporting healing and empowerment. More about Livia Sara: Livia is an autism advocate and eating disorder survivor who now helps others overcome their own mental barriers through her courses, coaching programs, and books. She is the creator behind the blog livlabelfree.com and the host of The Liv Label Free Podcast. Livia is a lifelong learner who loves listening to audiobooks, going on walks, and reading the latest science on all things neurodiversity and eating disorders! Website: livlabelfree.com Books Website: livlabelfreebooks.com Instagram: instagram.com/livlabelfree Podcast: livlabelfree.com/podcasts/liv-label-free-autism-and-eating-disorder-recovery Article and infographic collaboration between Liv and Dr. Neff: Anorexia vs. ARFID Venn Diagram: neurodivergentinsights.com/misdiagnosis-monday/anorexia-and-arfid ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️ Spotify 🎙️ Apple 🎙️ YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube 💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground ———————————————————————————————— ✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources If you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources ———————————————————————————————— 💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground Divergent Conversations Underground is a space for messy conversations, real connection, and unfinished thoughts in a neurodivergent-affirming community. If you’d like to go deeper with us into more nuanced, searching conversations, join here: divergentconversations.substack.com ———————————————————————————————— Mentioned in this episode: Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources If you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources