Why do eating disorders and ADHD so often overlap, and why does standard eating disorder treatment frequently fail neurodivergent people?

In this episode of Dr. Marianne-Land, I’m joined by Taylor Ashley @taylorashleytherapy, Registered Psychotherapist based in Guelph, Ontario, who specializes in eating disorders, ADHD, trauma, body image, and neurodivergence. Taylor brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this conversation, offering a deeply honest look at how eating disorders can function as coping and regulation systems for neurodivergent brains.

Together, we unpack why recovery often looks different for people with ADHD, why hunger cues may never fully return for some, and how approaches like mechanical eating, HAES-informed care, and trauma-informed therapy can make recovery more accessible and sustainable.

In This Episode, We Discuss: Eating Disorders and ADHD

We explore why ADHD and eating disorders frequently co-occur, including how dopamine regulation, anxiety, and nervous system overload shape behaviors like restricting, purging, and binging.

Neurodivergent-Affirming Eating Disorder Recovery

Taylor explains why traditional eating disorder treatment models often miss neurodivergent needs and how affirming care prioritizes sensory safety, autonomy, and individualized support.

Mechanical Eating vs Intuitive Eating

We talk openly about why intuitive eating is not realistic or safe for many neurodivergent people and how mechanical eating can be a supportive, valid recovery strategy.

Sensory Processing, Clothing, and Body Image

From sports uniforms to fabric textures, we discuss how sensory sensitivities and body shame intersect and how these experiences can quietly drive eating disorder behaviors.

Brain Chemistry, Dopamine, and Regulation

Taylor breaks down how restricting, purging, and binging can temporarily regulate dopamine and serotonin, especially for people with ADHD, and why this makes eating disorders feel grounding and hard to let go of.

Trauma-Informed and IFS-Informed Approaches

We explore Internal Family Systems (IFS) and how understanding the protective role of eating disorder behaviors can reduce shame and support long-term change.

HAES-Informed and Weight-Inclusive Care

We discuss why Health at Every Size–informed treatment matters, how weight-focused care can cause harm, and what to look for when building a neurodivergent-affirming outpatient treatment team.

When Inpatient Treatment Is Not the Right Fit

Taylor shares why inpatient programs can be unsafe for neurodivergent people when they lack sensory awareness and flexibility, and how intensive outpatient support can sometimes be a better option.

Who This Episode Is For

This episode is for:
People with ADHD and eating disorders
Neurodivergent adults navigating recovery
Clinicians and therapists working in eating disorder treatment
Anyone who feels like standard recovery advice has never fit their brain or body

About Taylor Ashley, RP

Taylor Ashley is a Registered Psychotherapist based in Guelph, Ontario, specializing in eating disorders, ADHD, trauma, neurodivergence, and body image. Her work centers neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed, and HAES-aligned care. Taylor brings lived experience, deep compassion, and clinical insight to her work with individuals seeking recovery that actually fits their nervous system.

Follow Taylor on Instagram: @taylorashleytherapy
Learn more: taylorashleytherapy.com

Related Episodes 

Unmasking, Embodiment, & Trust: A Neurodivergent Approach to Eating Disorder Recovery With Dr. Emma Offord @divergentlives via Apple & Spotify.

Unmasking in Eating Disorder Recovery: What Neurodivergent People Need to Know About Safety & Healing via Apple & Spotify.

Recovering Again: Navigating Eating Disorders After a Late Neurodivergent Diagnosis (Part 1) With Stacie Fanelli, LCSW @edadhd_therapist via Apple & Spotify.

Final Note

If eating disorder recovery has felt inaccessible, overwhelming, or unsafe in the past, this conversation offers validation, language, and concrete reframes that may finally make things click.