Nutrition, Autism & ADHD
How is nutrition linked to neurodivergence?
Let's just be clear from the outset, what someone eats won't 'give' them autism or ADHD. Autism and ADHD are neurological differences with multifactorial causes that we have from birth.
However, there is scientific evidence to show that what we eat (I'm autistic too) can affect our physical and mental wellbeing and may help with some of the challenges we face.
What challenges?
We face a higher statistical likelihood than neurotypicals of having certain conditions [1], including anxiety, autoimmune disorders, obesity, and gastrointestinal difficulties (including a higher likelihood of being coeliac). Obesity, allergies, and type 2 diabetes are also common in ADHD[2], along with sleep disturbances, fatigue, and if taking medication, a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Other recent studies have considered the evidence suggesting an altered gut microbiome in autism[3], resulting in digestive disturbances.
All of above conditions can be helped (as in avoided or managed) by the foods we choose to eat. The way I look at it is this: if changing the way I eat can reduce the discomfort of or likelihood of developing a common associated condition, then it's worth the effort. Being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world isn't always easy, trying to do so while managing multiple health conditions is overwhelming.
The barriers we face
For many, seeing a loaf of crusty bread would make their mouth water. For me, I virtually shiver just looking at it. I hate the texture of crusts in my mouth, just writing this is making me feel nauseated. While healthy eating can be a challenge for anyone, when we're neurodivergent then we may have a few extra barriers to overcome.
A sensory disorder, common in autism and with ADHD, can make certain tastes and textures physically repulsive - like crusts on bread for me. This can lead to avoiding foods and a restrictive eating plan (ARFID), resulting in health problems.
Other barriers to maintaining healthy eating may include:
A strong need for routine can make changing to a new food regime challenging.
Dysfunctional executive function can make planning meals, shopping for food, and cooking very difficult as a neurodivergent adult.
Dysregulation of dopaminergic reward systems in ADHD can make regulating food intake a struggle.
How can I help you?
I want everyone to be able to enjoy healthy eating and I understand first-hand some of the obstacles we have to overcome to make that a reality. If you'd like to see if I can help you, we can have a free, online, no obligation discussion about what you need (we can do this however you feel comfortable: video call, Signal chat, email etc). If you'd like us to work together, we can then arrange an appointment and work out a plan that will suit you.
For the consultation, if you have any special requirements to attend (e.g. camera off for video consultations or low sensory environment for face-to-face) I'm happy to accommodate these as best I can so you're as comfortable as possible.
Footnotes
Micai M et al, Prevalence of co-occurring conditions in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, Volume 155, 2023, 105436, ISSN 0149-7634(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105436)
Faraone SV et al. The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021 Sep;128:789-818.(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.022)
Taniya MA et al. Role of Gut Microbiome in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Therapeutic Regulation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2022 Jul 22;12:915701.(https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2022.915701)