Model Minority Myth x Eating Disorders and Adoptees

with Laura Iu, RD, CDN, CNSC, RYT

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have largely been absent from conversations surrounding eating disorder recovery, in part due to systemic racism, inadequate research, fallacies like the Model Minority Myth, and a lack of awareness to provide more culturally competent care. To take this a step further, we will also cross examine the intersection between AAPI and adoptees, who are overrepresented in mental health settings and yet underrepresented in conversations surrounding care. In a country that has historically marginalized AAPI, we are taught that assimilation is the strategy for acceptance, success and belonging. The purpose of this presentation is to inform clinicians who will be working with AAPI patients and/or adopted patients the impact of the Model Minority Myth, the impact of adoption, and to invite curiosity around the impacts of these statuses particularly related to guiding someone through recovery.

(she/her)

Laura Iu, RD, CDN, CNSC, RYT

Laura Iu, RD, CDN, CNSC, RYT is a Chinese Asian American registered dietitian and yoga guide. She is the founder of Laura Iu Nutrition, in NYC. Prior to opening her private practice, Laura worked at Mount Sinai and NYU Langone’s critical care units, bringing forth extensive experience working with a wide range of medical and surgical conditions, using a weight inclusive approach. Within her private practice, she navigates eating disorders, holding space for patients of color, and reimagining the recovery process especially for those who hold marginalized identities, complex traumas, and/or limited access to care as well as adoptees. Additionally, Laura provides supervision, mentorship to RDs of color, advocates for change within the ED community, and enjoys leveraging partnerships to increase representation across fields.