Liv Label Free | Neurodivergent Eating Disorder Recovery

When I was in eating disorder treatment, I was told “it’s the eating disorder talking” more times than I can remember. 👉 I was told “It’s your eating disorder talking” when I asked to see the menu before we went on a restaurant outing. 👉 I was told “It’s your eating disorder talking” when I said that gaining weight made me want to crawl out of my skin. 👉 I was asked “Is your eating disorder in the room with us?” when our family therapist told my mom she had to get rid of all my protein bars and powders when I begged them not to. I don’t think I have to tell you how traumatizing this whole “ED talking” narrative can be for neurodivergent folks. Not only because it’s downright invalidating, but because our “ED behaviors” are manifestations of autism and/or ADHD! Because neurodivergent traits are an inherent part of an individual’s identity, trying to eliminate their manifestation – without inviting curiosity to healthier alternatives – will only make them feel MORE unsafe, causing them to cling even tighter to the eating adaptation. Of course, not ALL manifestations of neurodivergent traits are beneficial. But that doesn’t mean we need to pathologize them. My adaptive view of eating “disorders” doesn’t discredit the fact that adaptive can also mean maladaptive…which leads us to the question: “How can we respect neurodivergence while simultaneously challenging harmful fear-based behaviors?” This is exactly what Ash and I talk about in today’s episode! Fresh out of the Autistically ED-Free Academy, Ash joins me to share how he’s shifted fear-based ED behaviors into love-based autistic accommodations. Through concrete examples – including using a food scale, eating in a specific order, and eating “diet” foods due to sensory preferences – we discuss how to use your neurodivergent traits to your advantage on the discovery journey. Speaking of discovery, we also dive DEEP into the problem with “recovery” and how you will never go back to the person you were before you developed the eating adaptation. Both Ash and I now embrace discovery, the infinite process of adapting your identity into one that aligns with your essence. And if you want to go even deeper and discover freedom for yourself or someone you care for, join us for the next cohort of the Autistically ED-Free Academy! https://www.livlabelfree.com/group

The world is moving really fast. Especially for us AudDHD folks who are already trying to keep up with the demands of our “human body costume” – let alone the demands of society – merely existing can feel impossible. In this unfiltered catch-up episode with Emilia, my former 1-1 coaching client turned best friend, we share how travel wrecks our nervous systems even when it's worth it, the existential exhaustion of being neurodivergent on planet Earth, and why money can be a serious financial barrier for autistic and ADHD folks. We also get into the impossible tension of craving foods your body won't tolerate, the constant tug-of-war between ADHD wants and autistic needs, and why so many things not going to plan lately have actually been the universe nudging us to exactly where we’re supposed to go. If you've ever felt like you're managing a high-maintenance inner world while everyone else seems to be existing without effort, this episode is for you. Key discussion points: Why travel is always a trade-off of your nervous system and why in-person connection can still make it worth it The existential exhaustion of being neurodivergent in a world that never slows down Money as the unspoken barrier in neurodivergent spaces, and the ethical dilemma of serving a community that often can't afford support Managing the demands of a body that needs feeding, watering, bathing, exercising (and Emilia's incredible "single parent to twins" analogy) Craving foods that satisfy sensorially but wreck you physically, and what that has to do with how we understand eating disorders in autistic people The tiny window of activities that work for both ADHD and autism simultaneously Shifting from chasing to receiving, and how the Universe lines up for you when you align with your neurodivergent soul Why things not going to plan might be the most important sign you're being redirected, and the importance of gratitude in tough times 💗 1-1 Coaching: https://www.livlabelfree.com/coaching 🌈 Autistically ED-Free Academy: https://www.livlabelfree.com/group 📚 Read my books! https://livlabelfreebooks.com

In today’s group podcast, participants share their perspectives and experiences in response to the following questions: Does the food noise ever go away? How to deal with mental hunger and the constant desire to restrict in ED recovery? How to support your loved one as they transition back home after being inpatient? Is it okay to NOT eat mindfully in autistic eating disorder recovery? What are distractions that can make eating easier and less stressful? As always, this conversation was filled with deep connection, compassion, and understanding. Want to join our monthly group podcast? You get direct access via the Liv Label Free Membership or after you’ve completed any of my coaching programs! Check out all my offers: https://www.livlabelfree.com/coaching

Many parents come to me seeking support for their autistic child struggling with an eating disorder only to discover they’re part of the lost generation of autistic parents! In today’s episode, I chat with Felicity, a mum of two who’s passionate about all things art, movement, and creativity. Felicity shares how she began questioning her own neurodivergence when she joined my Autistically ED-Free Academy, how she’s rebuilding trust with her daughter after the trauma of traditional ED treatment, and the importance of going on your own discovery journey as a caregiver. 🌈 Autistically ED-Free Academy: www.livlabelfree.com/group📚 Rainbow Girl: A Memoir of Autism and Anorexia: www.livlabelfree.com/rainbowgirl🎧 Free Audiotraining: www.livlabelfree.com/free-audiotraining

Four years ago, Amy started 1-1 coaching with me, desperate to support her autistic daughter who was struggling with anorexia. FBT had failed the family and Amy just felt so LOST! But through learning neurodiversity-affirming support strategies, Amy’s daughter has now taken significant steps on her discovery journey. In this episode, Amy shares priceless insights to support your autistic loved one with an eating disorder. 💗 Work with Livia: https://www.livlabelfree.com/coaching🎧 Free Audiotraining: https://www.livlabelfree.com/free-audiotraining🌟 Amy’s Website: http://neurohopecoach.com/