Episode 273: Dietary Difficulty: Fueling the Neurodivergent Brain

Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes registered dietician Jackie Silver, who specializes in nutrition for neurodivergent people. They discuss the unique challenges faced by the neurodiversity community, including sensory differences, interoception, and executive functioning barriers that complicate meal planning and nutrition. They also talk about practical strategies to support the neurodivergent people in your life with making good dietary choices. They identify and analyze disordered eating patterns, and discuss the significance of self-compassion in the journey towards better nutrition.

TAKEAWAYS

  • Many dietitians overlook the unique needs of neurodivergent clients.

  • Meal planning can be overwhelming for those with executive dysfunction.

  • It's important to work within people's "safe foods."

  • Sensory sensitivities can greatly impact food choices and preferences.

  • Interoception plays a crucial role in recognizing hunger and fullness cues.

  • Mechanical eating can help those with suppressed appetites due to medication.

  • Small, manageable changes can lead to significant improvements in nutrition.

  • Disordered eating patterns are common among neurodivergent people, especially with ADHD.

The window will open soon to join the Educator Hub! If you're a teacher, administrator, school counselor, or parent of a neurodivergent student, this community is where you can share, ask questions, and find training that will help you along your journey. Please come join us.

Jackie Silver is a NYC-based Registered Dietitian and founder of Jackie Silver Nutrition, a virtual private practice specializing in supporting neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults with ADHD, ASD and IDD. Her practice is neurodiversity-affirming, nonjudgmental, and weight-inclusive.

he holds a Master of Health Science in Nutrition Communication from Toronto Metropolitan University and has additional training in mindful eating and sensory-based feeding therapy. Jackie works with clients across New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Ontario, and beyond, offering support with meal planning, selective eating, digestive health, chronic disease management, and more.

In her free time, Jackie enjoys rock climbing, yoga, Pilates, swimming, travel, museums, and spending time with family and friends.

BACKGROUND READING

Jackie’s website, Instagram, Free Grab & Go Foods list, Jackie’s meal prep course, Jackie’s consultation

ADHD, Autism, nutrition, Executive Functioning, Neurodiversity, ParentingDave Morrisnutrition, ADHD, autism, sensory differences, interoception, executive functioning, disordered eating