Personalized Neurodivergent Nutrition for Unique Eating

ADHD can significantly impact eating patterns in several ways: executive function challenges make meal planning and preparation difficult, hyperfocus can lead to forgetting meals entirely, impulsivity may result in erratic eating patterns, and difficulty sensing hunger and fullness cues (interoception) can make it hard to know when and how much to eat. Medication side effects like appetite suppression are also common. Our ADHD-informed dietitians help create simple meal systems, develop effective eating reminders, and build routines that work with your natural rhythm rather than against it.

Yes, registered dietitians specializing in autism can provide valuable support for sensory food issues. Many autistic individuals experience heightened sensitivity to food textures, temperatures, smells, and tastes. Our dietitians use sensory-friendly approaches that honor your preferences and never force uncomfortable foods. We work at your pace to gently explore new foods when desired, ensure nutritional adequacy with current safe foods, and respect the need for food sameness and specific preparation methods. We understand that selective eating isn't about being "picky", it's a legitimate sensory experience.

ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is a feeding disorder characterized by extremely limited food intake due to sensory sensitivities, fear of aversive consequences (like choking), or lack of interest in eating. Unlike typical picky eating, ARFID often leads to nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, or dependence on supplements. It's commonly associated with neurodivergence, particularly autism and ADHD. Our dietitians provide evidence-based ARFID treatment that respects sensory needs, ensures nutritional adequacy, uses gradual exposure techniques without pressure, and collaborates with therapists and physicians for comprehensive care.

Yes, we provide telehealth nutrition counseling for both neurodivergent adults and children across 14 states. Virtual sessions can be especially beneficial for neurodivergent individuals as they allow you to meet in a comfortable, familiar environment, reduce sensory overwhelm from travel and new spaces, accommodate communication preferences and needs for movement, and make scheduling easier around hyperfocus or energy fluctuations. We offer flexible appointment times and use secure, HIPAA-compliant video platforms. We're licensed to provide services in Texas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Dietitians trained in neurodivergent nutrition understand that traditional meal planning often doesn't work when executive function is challenged. We create simplified systems tailored to your needs, including: adaptable meal frameworks instead of rigid plans, strategies for decision fatigue around food choices, simple prep-ahead techniques that don't require extensive planning, visual meal planning tools and reminders, backup options for low-energy days, and grocery shopping strategies that reduce overwhelm. We focus on sustainable solutions that account for varying energy levels, executive function capacity, and daily demands.

Absolutely not. At Empathy Nutrition Therapy, we never force foods or use pressure-based approaches. We deeply respect sensory sensitivities and food aversions. Our philosophy centers on meeting you where you are and working with your current safe foods to ensure nutritional needs are met. If you're interested in expanding your food repertoire, we use gentle, gradual exposure techniques that you control the pace of. There's no judgment, no forcing, and no shame, only compassionate support that honors your neurodivergent experience with food.

Yes, we accept many major insurance plans and are in-network providers across our licensed states. Coverage for nutrition counseling varies by plan and diagnosis. Many insurance companies cover nutrition therapy for ARFID, eating disorders, ADHD with nutritional complications, autism with feeding difficulties, and various medical conditions. We verify benefits before your first appointment and can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement if needed.

Yes, collaborative care is a cornerstone of our approach. We actively work with your child's (or your own) therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physicians, psychiatrists, and other healthcare providers. For neurodivergent individuals, coordinated care is especially important as nutrition often intersects with sensory processing, anxiety, executive function, and medical management. With your consent, we communicate with your care team to ensure everyone is aligned on goals and strategies. This team approach leads to better outcomes and more comprehensive support.