Helping Loved Ones with Neurodivergence and Eating Disorders

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Today we will be discussing how to support a family member diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ASD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, or an eating disorder. 

Episode Transcript

Penelope Webb (00:00):
Welcome to The Exceptional Humans Podcast,
where we discuss questionsrelated to language, identity,
education, and behavior.
I'm your host, Penelope and Ihave a background in education,
linguistics, and behavioralscience.
Today we will be discussing howto support a family member
diagnosed with autism spectrumdisorder, ASD, attention deficit

(00:26):
hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, oran eating disorder.
I am pairing these diagnosesbecause there are similarities
in the effective supports, aswell as a high chance of
comorbidity.
Comorbidity in this case meansthat an individual is identified

(00:49):
as being neurodivergent, thendiagnosed with an eating
disorder.
It is not uncommon for someonewith ASD to also receive a
diagnosis of avoidantrestrictive food intake
disorder, also known as ARFID.
Before we discuss subtle changesfamily members can make in how

(01:14):
they support their loved ones, Iwant to list some of the
benefits in providing effectivesupport.
The first is improved mentalhealth outcomes.
The second is betterrelationships with family
members and others.

(01:36):
The third is increasedself-esteem.
The fourth is enhanced academicand workplace success.
And the last is the promotion ofinclusivity in wider society.
Now let's discuss the subtlechanges family members can make

(01:58):
in supporting individuals withASD, ADHD and eating disorders.
The first and most importantthing that family members can do
is shift their mindset away from'fixing' to supporting.
Supporting loved ones in findingeffective tools and strategies

(02:20):
to address the triggers,barriers and other risk factors
surrounding their diagnosis isvital.
However, in seeing anindividual's neurodivergence or
eating disorder as a problem tobe fixed is dehumanizing.

(02:42):
A car with engine problemsrequires fixing.
A person with a diagnosis needssupport from those that care
about them most.
Learning about the diagnosisyour loved one has received is
essential in providingappropriate support.

(03:04):
And it should be theresponsibility of family members
to find appropriate supportsrather than expecting
individuals with ASD, ADHD andEDs to fulfill the role of
educator and advocate.
Consistency of supports,especially the language used

(03:27):
around the diagnosis isimportant.
Family members should avoidusing terminology that includes
terms that are disparaging toindividuals with diagnoses.
Especially, words andterminology that have been used
historically, but are nowconsidered slurs.

(03:52):
Assigning blame should also beavoided.
Furthermore downplaying theseverity of EDs by using phrases
such as'They're just a fussyeater' undermines both the
severity of the diagnosis andyour loved one's experience.
The experience of somebody withASD or ADHD or an eating

(04:19):
disorder is going to vary quitesignificantly from a family
member supporting thatindividual.
It is important to acknowledgeand understand that whilst those
experiences may be verydifferent, they are both valid.

(04:44):
Lastly, it is important thatfamily members leave space for
compassion towards their lovedone and themselves.
There is no rule book for thejourney you are taking in
supporting an individual withASD, ADHD or EDs.

(05:07):
Lead by example, model emotionalregulation, and demonstrate your
love through understanding.
The Exceptional Humans Podcastis written and recorded on Kabi
Kabi and Jinibara lands.
We would like to pay ourrespects to their elders past,
present, and emerging, and payour respects to all Aboriginal

(05:28):
and Torres Strait Islanderpeoples listening today.