This led her to avoid components of her life that were hard or required extra effort.

The resultant weight loss was really exciting to me, Sonell says.

Similar correlations exist betweenautism and other eating disorders,like bulimia and binge eating disorder.

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In this case, the expulsion of the energy is giggling.

This, she says, can translate to rigid behaviors around food.

This child had more success learning to eat mozzarella sticks and fish sticks before tackling broccoli and brussels sprouts.

Broth in Bowl on gray background, healthy food, top view.

clinical psychologist based in Chicago

They should instead be evaluated by an experienced professional with a background in eating disorders.

Find providers who can empathize with the sensory processing needs.

She left school to reduce her stress, and her eating improved as well.

Close-up of sliced purple cabbage,

Sonell also learned to lean in to one of her autism traits: her desire for order.

This way, Sonell says that she always has something that she finds palatable and comfortable to eat.

Stress management was also important, she adds.

soba noodles

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A hand is stirring a sourdough starter in a glass jar, on a kitchen countertop. The light casts a warm glow, highlighting the ingredients inside the jar.

clinical psychologist based in Chicago

Frozen beef steaks on brownish packaging paper. Light effect.

Woman shopping in a grocery store with a basket