Neurodivergence and Eating Disorders: The Overlap. Why the Connection Is Stronger Than We Thought — and What It Means for Treatment

Eating disorders have long been misunderstood as only affecting perfectionistic, appearance-focused individuals. But there’s growing recognition that many people with eating disorders — especially those whose struggles don’t fit the "classic" profile — are actually neurodivergent.

Whether it’s autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, or other forms of neurodivergence, the overlap with disordered eating is real, under-recognized, and critically important for effective care.