42. Neurodivergence and Eating Disorders - Dr Maud Achard

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking to the wonderful Dr Maud Achard about Neurodivergence & Eating Disorders.

Dr Maud is an autistic mental health dietitian and a credentialed eating disorder clinician. She works in private practice and in inpatient mental health services.

Her main area of interest is to provide neurodiversity-affirming health care for neurodivergent persons with feeding differences and eating disorders.

She understands that different brains mean different needs and also runs education sessions and workshops for health professionals, teaching them how to create a more accessible, safe, and supportive space for all the diverse minds out there. Her hope, with like-minded individuals, is to create a ripple effect of positive change in the healthcare community to better cater for and support neurodivergent persons.

In this episode, we chatted about many important topics including:

• The difference between neurotypical and neurodivergent, and neurodiverse vs neurodivergent
• The link between neurodivergence and eating disorders
• How eating disorder support might differ for someone who is neurodivergent vs neurotypical
• What neurodiversity-affirming healthcare looks like
• Plus much more!
• We wrap up with some important take-home messages that brought a tear to all of our eyes

 Additional links & resources:

•  EDNA report on eating disorders and neurodivergence: https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/types/neurodivergence/
• EDNA website: https://www.edneuroaus.com
• Yellow Lady Bugs: https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au
• Reframing Autism (autistic led organisation): https://reframingautism.org.au/about-autism/
• Other podcasts:
  • NeuroSpicED: https://www.edneuroaus.com/podcast (trigger warning: discussion of eating disorder behaviours in some detail, self-harm and suicidality, trauma etc.)
  • The Neurodiversity Podcast: https://neurodiversitypodcast.co

At Imbodi Health, our mission is to empower you to ditch diet culture, make friends with food and find peace with your body. Find your version of ‘whole health’ no matter your body shape or size.

Tune in weekly for bite-sized episodes on all things non-diet nutrition, disordered eating recovery, joyful movement, self-care and body acceptance.

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