Episode 53: The Intersection of Autism and Eating Disorders [featuring Livia Sara]

Divergent Conversations

Autism and eating disorders have a complex relationship that for years has been overlooked often resulting in traumatic approaches to recovery and a misunderstanding of the experience and mindset of Autistic individuals struggling with disordered eating.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Livia Sara, a recognized autism advocate in the eating disorder recovery space, about the relationships between autism, eating disorders, and the neurodivergent experience.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Gain a deeper understanding of how eating disorders manifest differently in the neurodivergent community, including unique challenges and how Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) can be mistaken for eating disorders.
2. Explore the power of autonomy and control in the context of both fueling disordered eating and being the deciding factor in recovery within the neurodivergent framework.
3. Hear firsthand accounts of struggles with and recovery from eating disorders, addiction, and other unhealthy coping mechanisms to seek control of a body that feels foreign.

About Livia Sara:

Livia is an autism advocate and eating disorder survivor who now helps others overcome their mental barriers through her courses, coaching programs, and books. She is the creator behind the blog livlabelfree.com and the host of The Liv Label Free Podcast. Livia is a lifelong learner who loves listening to audiobooks, going on walks, and reading the latest science on all things neurodiversity and eating disorders!

• Website: livlabelfree.com
• Books: livlabelfreebooks.com
• Instagram: @livlabelfree
• Podcast: Liv Label Free | Autism and Eating Disorder Recovery

Article and infographic collaboration between Liv and Dr. Neff:

• Anorexia vs. ARFID Venn Diagram: neurodivergentinsights.com/misdiagnosis-monday/anorexia-and-arfid

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A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe, Freed, & The Receptionist for iPad

✨ Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe:

I want to thank Madam Clutterbuckets for sponsoring this episode.

This family-owned business has created a store that not only celebrates the value of neurodiversity but also employs neurodivergent workers. They sell disability advocacy merchandise, work from neurodivergent artists, and products from companies that employ neurodivergent workers. They also have curated vintage oddities, fidgets, and outrageous merch that makes you laugh out loud. They are located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, or you can check them out at madamclutterbuckets.com, and use code GIMME10 for 10% off $25 purchases or more.

✨ Freed:

I want to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode.

Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over. No more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love — helping your clients.

Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free.

✨ The Receptionist for iPad:

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.