Eating Disorders & Neurodivergence Information Sheets

Organisation / Service

Eating Disorders Neurodiversity Australia

Eating Disorders Neurodiversity Australia (EDNA) have developed eight factsheets about eating disorders in the context of neurodivergence.

Each is tailored to cater to a specific group of people:

- Neurodivergent people 

- Carers

- General considerations for all health and allied health professionals

- Dietitians

- General practitioners

- Inpatient care

- Mental health professionals

- School personnel

Each factsheet contains sections focusing on prevention, identification, active treatment, ongoing recovery, and a list of resources for further reading. Practical considerations and recommendations are provided for healthcare professionals in order to optimise eating disorder care for neurodivergent people. Each information sheet has been tailored to include insights and tips for a specific group of people (e.g., carers, school personnel, GPs). Some focus on self-advocacy (e.g., neurodivergent people and carers), while others focus in on health-related considerations.

National Strategy Standards and Actions

Identification

Standard 1: There is whole-of-community awareness of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a developing or existing eating disorder, and the pathways to care

Action 1.2: Eating disorder and mental health organisations to continue to provide evidence-based information about eating disorder signs and symptoms and pathways to care, tailored to a range of audiences

Action 1.4: Eating disorder lived experience organisations to continue to provide evidence-based resources to assist people and their families/supports and communities to identify concerns and pathways to care

Action 1.5: Organisational/service settings which interact with population groups at higher risk of eating disorders (e.g., LGBTQIA+ services, schools, sporting/performance organisations) to provide evidence-based information about eating disorders appropriate to the audience.

Treatment

Standard 5: Health and mental health services at all levels provide effective, appropriate, and flexible services to meet the needs of people with eating disorders from underserved and higher risk population groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, neurodivergent people, LGBTQIA+ people, and people in larger bodies.