Neurodiversity and ARFID: Disrupting Normalcy and Dismantling Sansim, Ableism and Healthism 

with Naureen Hunani, RD

Mainstream ARFID “therapy” is often violent, ableist and traumatic. It can also feel invalidating, especially to those who identify as neurodivergent. In order for neurodivergent people to develop a healthier relationship with food and body, we must disrupt normalcy and dismantle systems of oppression that make eating and nourishment difficult for those with feeding and eating differences. This presentation will explore ARFID through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. It will offer tools and guidance to providers so they can support clients in ways that feel affirming and challenge the construct of normalcy and how it relates to food, eating and overall health.

(she/her/hers)

Naureen Hunani, RD

Naureen Hunani is a multiply-neurodivergent (autistic, ADHDer, dyslexic) activist and registered dietitian with over 17 years of experience. She is the founder of RDs for Neurodiversity, a neurodiversity-informed online continuing education platform for dietitians and helping professionals. 

She has a private practice in Montreal, Canada, where she treats children, adults and families struggling with various feeding and eating challenges through a trauma-informed, weight-inclusive and anti-oppressive approach.

Naureen has extensive experience working with neurodivergent families, including autism spectrum, ADHD, sensory processing differences and other forms of neurodivergencies. She is a supporter of early diagnosis of feeding differences and advocates for inclusion and acceptance. She has had the privilege to share her knowledge at national and international conferences and is incredibly passionate about helping professionals build neurodiversity-affirming practices.