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 & Spotify
• Minding the Gap: The Intersection Between AuDHD & Eating Disorders With Stacie Fanelli, LCSW @edadhd_therapist via Apple & Spotify
• Set-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 @drmariannemiller
• Check out my virtual, self-paced