Autism
Is there a link between autism and overeating?
Yes, there is certainly a notable link between the two which can stem from various factors such as sensory sensitivity, routine driven behaviors, emotional regulation difficulties, and challenge in recognizing hunger and fullness cues.
Why do autistic people struggle with food?
People with autism can face many challenges related to food, body image, feeding, nutrition, and the recovery process. Here are some eating (and feeding) difficulties you or your child may need to overcome:
- Sensory Processing Issues to Taste, Texture, and Smell: This can lead to preferences for specific foods, often those that are calories dens and less nutritious.
- Routine and Repetition: This can result in one eating the same food over and over or snacking frequently as part of their daily routine, potentially leading to overeating.
- Communication Challenges: This may result in it being hard for individuals to express hunger and fullness accurately leading to irregular eating patterns.
- Medication Side Effects: Some medication can lead to increase appetite and weight gain due to overeating.
Social influences and isolation can lead to using food as a substitute for social interactions contributing yet again to overeating.
Nutrition Therapy to Manage and Overcome Binge Eating with Autistic Children:
Symptoms of Binge Eating
- Eating a large amount of food within a discrete time period.
- Feeling a lack of control over eating during the episodes.
- Eating much more rapidly than normal
- Eating until feel uncomfortably full
- Eating alone due to embarrassment about the quantity of food consumes
- Eating large amounts when not hungry
- Feeling disgusted with oneself
- Feeling depressed or guilty after overeating
- Episodes occur at least once a week for 3 months
Our Team of Dietitian Nutritionists in the Greater St. Louis Area
Branz Nutrition Counseling is a team of certified eating disorder dietitians who provide compassionate care to those struggling with their relationship to food. Our approach is weight-inclusive, LGBTQIA+, and social justice-oriented, which means that we believe that everyone deserves access to quality care.
We can’t wait to meet you!
With locations in Illinois and Missouri, we offer both virtual and in-person counseling sessions. And, we are licensed to provide Telehealth nutrition therapy to patients around the country.
Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Missouri | New York | Texas | Virginia
We see clients in person in the St. Louis area, Missouri, Illinois, and from around the country via Telehealth. Learn more here.
We help individuals and families heal their relationships with food and body through compassionate, weight-inclusive care—supporting eating disorder recovery and managing chronic conditions like PCOS, diabetes, and heart disease using Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size principles.
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How It Works – An Easy Three-Step Process to Get You on the Road to Recovery
Make An Appointment
What service do you need? We offer a range of appointments of different durations to best fit your needs.
Meet with your Personal Dietitian
Be paired with the dietitian nutritionist on our team and get continued support with one of our online groups. One-on-one counseling, in-person, or virtual. WE TAKE INSURANCE!
Take Control of Your Life
Heal your relationship with food and your body. Choose the best foods for your unique needs. Get the tools you need to live a healthy life. Receive continued support.
Note: In order to secure a spot on a dietitian’s schedule, we need a valid payment method on file.
Our Testimonials
Thank you for choosing us as the Best Dietitian Practice in STL (2023)
Branz Nutrition in the Media
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