Neurodivergence, Gender Diversity, and Eating Disorders
This workshop explores the intersection of neurodivergence, gender diversity, and eating disorders, with a particular focus on why Autistic, ADHD, and otherwise neurodivergent trans people may face distinct risks, presentations, and barriers to eating disorder care. It brings together current research, lived experience informed perspectives, and practical clinical ideas to help participants better understand sensory processing, executive function, interoception, body image, and other factors that can shape eating disorder experiences in neurodivergent trans people.
Who it is for
This workshop is for people and services who support neurodivergent trans and gender diverse people experiencing eating disorders, disordered eating, or body image concerns, including:
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Psychologists
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Dietitians
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Occupational therapists
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Social workers
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Counsellors
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Psychiatrists
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GPs
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School wellbeing staff
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Educators
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Eating disorder services
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Broader mental health and health services
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Peer workers
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Youth workers
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Disability support services
What it covers
This workshop covers:
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Gender diversity terminology and key concepts
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Gender dysphoria, including social, physical, and dissociative dimensions
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Gender affirmation and gender-affirming medical care
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Common disordered eating behaviours
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The difference between eating disorders, disordered eating, eating disruptions, and eating differences
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Neurodivergence terminology and key concepts
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Research on the intersection of neurodivergence and eating disorders
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Prevalence and diagnosis patterns in trans and gender diverse people
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How gender diversity and neurodivergence can intersect to shape eating disorder risk and presentation
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Gender-related risk factors, including gender dysphoria and minority stress
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Neurodivergence related risk factors, including sensory processing, interoception, and executive functioning
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Practical ways to support neurodivergent trans people with eating disorders
Learning outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
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Describe core concepts related to neurodivergence, gender diversity, and eating disorders
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Identify how eating disorders and disordered eating may present in neurodivergent trans and gender diverse people
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Recognise why eating disorder risk may be elevated at the intersection of neurodivergence and gender diversity
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Identify how sensory processing, executive functioning, body image, and interoception can shape eating experiences and eating disorder risk
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Apply more affirming and clinically useful approaches to supporting neurodivergent trans people with eating disorders
Overview
Duration: Self-paced 2-hour workshop recording
Price: $35AUD
Included resources:
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Copy of the session slides
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Scoring copy of the Nine Item ARFID Screener
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Links to recommended books, articles, and resources
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Resource on support strategies for neurodivergent trans people
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List of state-based gender diversity support services
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Links to neuro-affirming eating disorder organisations