Diet and eating in Neurodiversity: Autism and ADHD
Many autistic people and those with ADHD experience eating in ways that don’t fit typical expectations. What’s sometimes seen as “picky eating” often reflects genuine sensory or cognitive differences that can make food challenging.
Understanding Eating Differences in Autism and ADHD
Autistic people can be more sensitive to how foods smell, taste, look, or feel, which can limit the range of foods they enjoy. People with ADHD may also find eating patterns affected by attention, planning, or appetite changes. Despite these challenges, everyone still needs a balanced diet for good health and energy.
There are many reasons why eating can feel difficult:
Sensory sensitivities: Strong reactions to textures, smells, or flavours can make some foods feel impossible to eat.
Practical challenges: Planning, shopping, cooking, and remembering to eat can be hard when focus or organisation is difficult.
Body awareness (interoception): Some people struggle to recognise hunger or fullness until it’s extreme, leading to skipped meals or overeating.
Anxiety and need for sameness: Fear of new foods or a strong preference for routine can make variety feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Common Nutritional Risks and Deficiencies
When food choices are limited, the body may miss out on key nutrients such as vitamins A and D, fibre, iron, or calcium. Some people may have a low weight and find it hard to eat enough, while others may eat plenty of “safe” foods, often beige, that are highly processed (like crisps, biscuits, white bread, or chicken nuggets).
Even if weight seems normal, low nutrient intake can still lead to tiredness, or mood changes. It’s also worth noting that some ADHD medications can reduce appetite, which may add to eating challenges.
When to Be Concerned
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is when someone eats a very limited range of foods — often fewer than 20 — and it starts to affect daily life, social situations, or health.
Unlike anorexia, ARFID isn’t about body image or trying to lose weight. It’s more often linked to how food looks, tastes, or feels. Autistic people are more likely to suffer from ARFID.
A person with ARFID might rely on a few “safe” foods or avoid eating around others because it feels stressful or overwhelming. This can affect both physical health (such as low weight or nutrient deficiencies) and emotional wellbeing. The important thing to know is that help is available, and recovery is possible with the right support.
Practical Strategies for Supporting Better Nutrition
Be patient. Small, steady changes can make a big difference but may take time:
Keep mealtimes calm, predictable, and pressure-free.
Offer one familiar food alongside a small portion of something new.
Create a sensory-friendly environment — use soft lighting, reduce strong smells, and limit background noise.
Build eating routines that fit your attention and energy levels — setting reminders can help.
If variety is very limited, consider speaking with your GP, who can refer you to a dietitian for a nutritional assessment and support.
Key Takeaways
Eating differences in autism and ADHD are real and deserve understanding, not judgment.
Eating differences can lead to greater nutritional risk and will benefit from the expertise of a dietitian who is experienced in Autism and ADHD.
Written by Sue Luscombe, Associate Specialist Dietician & Nutrition Consultant