Neurodivergence, Eating Disorders, IBS and Social Eating: Understanding the Overlooked Connection

Written By Stephanie Connolly

When people think about eating disorders, they often picture concerns around food, weight or body image alone. However, for many neurodivergent individuals, the relationship with eating can be far more complex.

At Lycali, we regularly see how neurodivergence, sensory differences, anxiety, emotional regulation and everyday overwhelm can all influence eating patterns, digestive health and overall wellbeing. Understanding these links is important because many neurodivergent people are either misunderstood, diagnosed late, or receive support that does not fully consider their needs.

What Do We Mean by Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence refers to differences in how the brain processes information, emotions, communication and sensory experiences. This can include conditions such as:

  • Autism

  • ADHD

  • Dyslexia

  • Dyspraxia

  • Tourette’s Syndrome

  • Sensory Processing Differences

Every neurodivergent person is different, but many experience heightened sensory sensitivities, difficulties with interoception (recognising internal body signals such as hunger and fullness), emotional overwhelm, or a strong need for predictability and routine. These factors can all impact eating behaviours and physical health.

What Does the Research Say?

Research increasingly highlights strong links between neurodivergence, eating disorders and gastrointestinal difficulties.

A large review published in Molecular Autism found that autistic individuals are significantly more likely to experience eating disorders compared to the general population. Some studies suggest autistic traits may be present in approximately 20–35% of people receiving treatment for anorexia nervosa.

Research also suggests that ADHD is associated with a higher likelihood of binge eating behaviours, emotional eating and disordered eating patterns linked to impulsivity and emotional regulation difficulties.

In addition, gastrointestinal difficulties are commonly reported amongst neurodivergent individuals. Studies have shown autistic people are more likely to experience symptoms such as constipation, abdominal pain, bloating and IBS-related symptoms compared to neurotypical peers.

A review in Frontiers in Psychiatry highlighted that gut-brain interactions, sensory processing, anxiety and autonomic nervous system differences may all contribute to the increased prevalence of digestive difficulties in neurodivergent populations.

Importantly, researchers increasingly stress that eating difficulties in neurodivergent individuals are not always driven by body image concerns alone. Sensory experiences, predictability, anxiety and nervous system regulation often play a major role.

The Link Between Neurodivergence and Eating Difficulties

Sensory Sensitivities

For some people, certain foods may feel unbearable due to:

  • Texture

  • Smell

  • Temperature

  • Taste

  • Appearance

This is not “fussy eating” or defiance. Sensory processing differences can create genuine distress around food.

Some individuals may only feel safe eating a small range of foods, while others may avoid eating entirely during periods of overwhelm.

Routine and Predictability

Many neurodivergent individuals rely on routine to feel regulated and safe. Changes in food brands, packaging, preparation methods or meal timing can feel extremely distressing and may impact eating patterns.

Emotional Regulation and ADHD

ADHD can affect:

  • Impulse control

  • Emotional regulation

  • Dopamine seeking

  • Planning and organisation

This may contribute to binge eating patterns, forgetting to eat, inconsistent eating routines, or using food to regulate emotions and energy levels.

Anxiety and Masking

Many neurodivergent people spend years masking their difficulties or trying to “fit in.” This can lead to chronic stress, exhaustion and anxiety, which may increase vulnerability to eating difficulties.

For some individuals, controlling food intake may become a coping strategy during periods where life feels overwhelming or unpredictable.

Neurodivergence and IBS

There is also growing awareness of the connection between neurodivergence and digestive difficulties, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Many neurodivergent individuals report symptoms such as:

  • Stomach pain

  • Bloating

  • Constipation

  • Diarrhoea

  • Nausea

  • Food sensitivities

  • Changes in appetite during stress or overwhelm

The relationship between the brain and gut is complex, and stress, anxiety, sensory processing and nervous system regulation can all influence digestion.

Some studies suggest autistic individuals may be up to four times more likely to experience gastrointestinal symptoms than neurotypical individuals. ADHD has also been linked with increased rates of IBS and functional gastrointestinal disorders, potentially connected to stress responses, nervous system regulation and co-occurring anxiety.

For some people, digestive discomfort may increase food avoidance or anxiety around eating. Others may struggle with recognising hunger, fullness or physical discomfort until symptoms become severe.

It is important that physical symptoms are not dismissed as “just anxiety” or blamed entirely on neurodivergence. Equally, digestive difficulties should be explored alongside sensory needs, emotional wellbeing and eating patterns to ensure the individual receives holistic support.

Social Eating and Neurodivergence

For many neurodivergent individuals, eating is not only about food itself. It is also about the social experience that surrounds it.

Social eating situations can feel extremely overwhelming due to factors such as:

  • Noise levels and sensory overload

  • Multiple conversations happening at once

  • Strong food smells

  • Anxiety around being watched whilst eating

  • Difficulties interpreting social expectations

  • Fear of judgement around food preferences or eating habits

  • Pressure to “fit in” or mask discomfort

For autistic individuals especially, social eating environments such as restaurants, school dining halls, workplaces or family gatherings may lead to heightened anxiety and exhaustion. Some people may avoid eating socially altogether, while others may mask distress during the experience and feel emotionally drained afterwards.

Research has also highlighted that social isolation and anxiety can contribute to disordered eating patterns. Neurodivergent individuals may feel misunderstood if others interpret sensory-related food avoidance as rudeness, stubbornness or attention-seeking.

Children and young people may struggle significantly in school dining environments where there is limited flexibility around safe foods, seating arrangements or sensory needs. Adults may similarly experience stress around work lunches, networking events or eating in unfamiliar places.

Importantly, support should not focus on forcing someone to “just get used to it.” Instead, a neuro-affirming approach aims to understand the reasons behind distress and explore practical strategies that support comfort, regulation and autonomy.

This may include:

  • Access to quieter eating spaces

  • Flexible seating arrangements

  • Predictability around menus or routines

  • Reduced pressure around trying new foods

  • Sensory accommodations

  • Gradual exposure led by the individual’s comfort levels

  • Support around self-advocacy and communication

Feeling safe, understood and in control can make a significant difference to both emotional wellbeing and the overall relationship with food.

Why Neurodivergent Eating Disorders Are Often Missed

Unfortunately, many neurodivergent individuals do not receive timely support because their experiences may present differently to stereotypes.

Examples include:

  • Eating difficulties being dismissed as “behavioural”

  • Sensory needs not being recognised

  • Autism or ADHD being overlooked entirely

  • Individuals being labelled as “difficult” or “non-compliant”

  • Girls and women masking difficulties and being missed for years

Some people may receive eating disorder support without anyone exploring possible underlying neurodivergence. Others may receive neurodevelopmental support without anyone recognising the impact eating and digestive difficulties are having on daily life and mental wellbeing.

A Neuro-Affirming Approach Matters

Support should never focus purely on forcing compliance around food without understanding the “why” behind difficulties.

A neuro-affirming approach considers:

  • Sensory processing differences

  • Communication needs

  • Emotional regulation

  • Executive functioning difficulties

  • Anxiety and overwhelm

  • Physical wellbeing and digestive health

  • Individual routines and safe foods

For many people, feeling understood and validated is a hugely important first step.

Supporting Children, Young People and Adults in Kent and Beyond

At Lycali Therapies & Assessment Ltd, we are passionate about providing neuro-affirming support for children, young people and adults. Our team understands that neurodivergence can impact every area of life, including eating, emotional wellbeing, communication and daily functioning.

We provide a range of services including:

  • Autism assessments

  • ADHD assessments

  • Speech and language therapy

  • Psychoeducation and post-diagnostic support

  • Neurodivergent coaching

  • Functional and workplace assessments

We also regularly share resources, blogs and community support opportunities for neurodivergent individuals and families across Kent and nationwide.

You can also explore our community events and support opportunities via the Lycali Events Page.

Final Thoughts

Neurodivergence, eating difficulties, digestive health and social experiences around food are often deeply interconnected, yet many individuals spend years feeling misunderstood or unsupported. Greater awareness can help reduce shame, improve access to appropriate support and ensure neurodivergent people are met with understanding rather than judgement.

Eating and digestive difficulties are rarely “just about food.” Often, they are connected to sensory processing, overwhelm, anxiety, communication, nervous system regulation and the experience of navigating a world that may not always feel accessible.

If you are concerned about yourself, your child or someone you support, seeking professional advice from a neuro-affirming service can help provide understanding and identify the right next steps.

References & Further Reading

  • Kinnaird, E. et al. (2019). Eating disorders and autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review.

  • Westwood, H. & Tchanturia, K. (2017). Autism spectrum disorder in anorexia nervosa: An updated literature review.

  • Brede, J. et al. (2020). For me, the anorexia is just a symptom, and the cause is the autism.

  • Restrepo, B. et al. (2020). Gut microbiota, autism and gastrointestinal symptoms.

  • Frontiers in Psychiatry (2021). The gut-brain axis and neurodevelopmental conditions.

Stephanie Connolly
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Lycali Nominated for a National Diversity Award 2026