Autism Affirming Eating Disorder Care
When: Sunday, November 16th at 3:15pm EST
Where: LIVE on Zoom
Presented By: Chelsea Edwards, RD, CEDS, Anna Nokes, LCSW, Rainn Stone, LMSW, GCT
Continuing Education: 1.25 NBCC CEs
In this presentation, we delve into the unique challenges faced by Autistic individuals in the context of eating disorder (ED) treatment. Research shows that ND individuals, including those with autism and ADHD, experience higher rates of eating disorders than neurotypical populations. Unfortunately, traditional treatment models often fail to address their distinct needs, resulting in poorer outcomes.
This presentation highlights key differences in sensory processing, interoception, and the sensory aspects of both food and environment that often affect autistic individuals. We’ll explore the concept of attuned vs. intuitive eating, emphasizing the importance of understanding each client’s goals for recovery, as well as their personal definition of recovery.
Common treatment pitfalls, such as rigid, compliance-based meal plans or a one-size-fits-all approach to food variety, can exacerbate stress for ND clients. Red flag practices include ignoring sensory challenges, enforcing unrealistic meal plans, and disregarding individual processing or executive function needs.
Instead, this presentation offers ND-affirming strategies. We’ll discuss green flag approaches like fostering curiosity, prioritizing safety, making preferred and safe foods accessible, and customizing sensory-friendly meal environments. This approach affirms that nourishment is more important than variety and emphasizes that recovery goals must be aligned with the individual’s unique abilities and needs.
Learning Objectives
- Participants will be able to explain neurodivergent care in eating disorder treatment.
- Participants will be able to identify three non-affirming treatment pitfalls within eating disorder care of neurodivergent clients.
- Participants will be able to identify three neurodivergent affirming treatment approaches within eating disorder care.
Is the course recorded?
Yes! We record live & email replay access to the recordings a few days after the course.
HOWEVER. LIVE attendance is required to qualify for the Continuing Education Certificate of Completion.
How do I qualify for NBCC CEs for this course?
Attend the presentation live & try to not be more than 10 minutes late! Complete the survey which will be distributed in the last 20 minutes of the presentation. You will get your CE Certificate automatically after you complete the survey.
Meet the Presenters
Anna Nokes, LCSW
Anna Nokes (she/they) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the owner of Coming Home Collective in Chicago. They focus on neurodivergence, religious trauma, and eating disorders/fat liberation. She utilizes somatic therapy, attachment based therapy, and a relational feminist framework to help clients Come Home to their own Bodies. Anna prides themself on making therapy a safe space for their clients to process trauma, unmask their neurodivergence, and increase self compassion by letting go of the shame they hold. Anna is an AuDHD, queer, nonbinary, chronically ill, & fat human.
Chelsea Edwards, RD, CEDS
Chelsea Edwards (she/her/hers) is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and the owner of Huntsville Nutrition Collective in Huntsville, AL. With a focus on gender-affirming, body-inclusive care, Chelsea uses a non-diet approach to nutrition, offering support that is LGBTQIA+ friendly and deeply empathetic. She brings personal experience to her work, having been diagnosed with ADHD later in life and navigating her own undiagnosed disordered eating in the past. Chelsea’s passion is creating a safe and inclusive space where clients feel empowered to heal and recover through a compassionate, client-centered approach.
Rainn Stone, LMSW, GTC
On the Web: rainnydayscounseling.com
Venmo: @Rainnydayscc
Rainn Stone, they/them. LMSW, GTC. Rainn Stone (they/them) is a therapist with Joyworks Counseling and a Neurodivergent Coach with Tree of Life in Alabama. They specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQIA+ clients (including gender-affirming evaluations), trauma, and children and adolescents. Their approach integrates somatic, attachment, parts work, and liberation-focused lenses. As a late-diagnosed AuDHDer and openly trans therapist, Rainn understands the challenges of feeling misunderstood and navigating self-discovery.
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Autistic Clinical Insights is a scrappy group of autistic clinicians and allies with a desire to advance knowledge and clinical support for autistic people.
This virtual conference is hosted by NeuroAbundant, LLC an NBCC ACEP #7589.
© Copyrights by NeuroAbundant. All Rights Reserved.
Autistic Clinical Insights is a scrappy group of autistic clinicians and allies with a desire to advance knowledge and clinical support for autistic people.
This virtual conference is hosted by NeuroAbundant, LLC an NBCC ACEP #7589.
© Copyrights by NeuroAbundant. All Rights Reserved.