Have you ever felt that your relationship with food is more complicated than most people? Maybe it’s not just about what you eat, but how certain foods feel. You may even find you need to follow a particular routine when eating and its upsetting when it is disrupted. If you’re also autistic, these challenges can feel even more overwhelming. You’re not alone in feeling this way, and there’s help available to support you in finding a healthier relationship with food.
The Complex Relationship Between Autism and Eating
For many people with autism, food can be a source of stress rather than nourishment. The texture of certain foods, the overwhelming smells, or even the routine around mealtimes can present incredible challenges.
Imagine sitting down to a meal and being hit with a flood of sensory information that others might not even notice. The texture of mashed potatoes might make you shudder, or the smell of broccoli might feel overpowering. These sensory experiences can make eating feel like an uphill battle every single day.
If you’ve ever found yourself avoiding certain foods or sticking to the same meals day in and day out, it’s not just being “picky.” For many on the spectrum, it’s a way to cope with a world that can often feel unpredictable and chaotic. But over time, these coping mechanisms can evolve into more restrictive eating patterns, which might turn into an eating disorder.
Social Pressures and the Challenge of Body Image
We all know that our society is obsessed with appearances. From social media to TV shows, the pressure to look a certain way is everywhere. But when you’re autistic, this pressure can feel especially intense. It’s not just about trying to fit in—it’s about trying to understand a set of rules that often don’t make much sense.
Maybe you’ve noticed that everyone around you seems to care so much about diets and looking a certain way. It can be confusing and frustrating, especially when you’re just trying to manage the day-to-day challenges of life. You might start to wonder if changing your body could help you fit in better in a neurotypical world. This is where the struggle with body image can start to creep in, and food becomes a way to exert some control in a world that often feels out of control.
But here’s the truth: your worth isn’t determined by your body size or how closely you match those idealized images. You deserve to feel good about yourself just as you are. And if you’re struggling with these thoughts, it’s okay to reach out for help.
Recognising the Signs of Disordered Eating
It can be difficult to recognise when eating habits are becoming a problem, especially when you’re dealing with the additional challenges of autism. Maybe you’ve always been particular about what you eat, and it doesn’t feel like a big deal. But if you’re finding that you’re eating habits are starting to control your life or prevent you from living the life you want, it’s important to take a closer look.
For example, if you’re sticking to a very limited diet, not because you want to, but because the thought of trying new foods feels overwhelming, this could be a sign that something more is going on. Or maybe you’ve been losing weight and your friends and family are worried about you. Maybe you feel anxious whenever it’s time to eat. These are all signs that it might be time to reach out for support.
Taking the First Step Toward Help
You deserve to feel good in your own skin and to have a relationship with food that supports your well-being. At Myrtle Oak Clinic, we understand that facing food challenges can feel scary. It might seem easier to keep going as you are, hoping things will get better on their own. But reaching out for help is a brave and important first step toward feeling better.
Our team of trained and experienced clinicians know how to support people who are navigating both autism and disordered eating. We offer a compassionate, understanding environment where you can talk openly about what you’re experiencing without fear of judgment. Together, we’ll work on a plan that respects your unique needs and helps you find a healthier, happier way to approach food and body image. Contact Myrtle Oak Clinic today, and let’s take that first step together.
