Eating disorders are sneaky, insidious diseases that create a tremendous amount of anxiety in the person suffering. The disorder has created an irrational fear that cannot be reasoned with. Therefore, the only way to alleviate the fear is to do the unthinkable--and eat the foods. Exposure therapy for eating disorders is like exposure therapy for OCD and other anxiety disorders in that they all share the same principle: exposure to a feared object, situation, or thought.

Eating disorders in autistic individuals are not just neurotypical EDs in disguise. They are often driven by neurological differences, sensory processing patterns, alexithymia, and the emotional toll of masking rather than a desire for thinness or a distorted body image. By increasing awareness, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for neurodivergent-affirming care, we can support autistic people on a path to recovery that honors their unique experiences.

TLDR: Going away to college is a huge transition for anyone, but especially for someone in eating disorder recovery. There are physical and emotional signs that you are ready for this step, such as absence of ED behaviors, maintaining weight, and comfort with a variety of foods and food situations. There are also some therapeutic challenges you can do to help increase your readiness. Eating Disorder Recovery Journey When it comes to eating disorder recovery, there's one unive

For many people, eating disorders are closely tied to past trauma, such as abuse, bullying, neglect, or chronic feelings of being unsafe. The trauma can range from very serious to less disruptive, however it can still affect your wellbeing in the present. These experiences can leave lasting emotional scars that shape the way you see yourself and your body. Sometimes, food becomes a tool to manage overwhelming feelings like shame, fear, sadness, or the need for control.