Episode 110: "Anorexia Autistica: Rewriting Everything We Know About Autism and Eating Disorders
Livia Sara is writing what she calls her "motherfucker book!" Over 100,000 words on anorexia and autism, complete with the entire history of both conditions and how their storylines are deeply intertwined. It's called Anorexia Autistica, and she wants it in the DSM one day. She writes on this topic from both lived and professional experiences and is changing the world of eating disorders for autistic people!
In this episode, Livia breaks down everything we get wrong about eating disorders in autistic people, from the "eating disorder is a separate entity" model to forced compliance in treatment centers. She explains why it's not about body image, why weighing food actually helped her eat MORE, and why the word "recovery" can be so dangerous.
We also talk about her book Rainbow Girl, the adaptive eating spectrum, why "the eating disorder talking" is gaslighting, and what it means to live label-free while honoring that labels can save your life. Kory and Livia gush about autistic joy and their shared love for writing, learning, and helping people through their lived experience. Hearts crack open as we share our transformative experiences within deliberately created autistic community.
Livia's Books and Programs:
Livia Sara's website
Livia's books:
"How to Beat Extreme Hunger: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Guide to Food Freedom"
"How To Get Out of Quasi Recovery"
Autistically ED Free Academy: 8-week group coaching program combining autism and eating adaptations
Resources:
Learn more about high-masking, late-diagnosed autism:
Instagram.com/neurokoryous
Kory's Unmasking Retreats
Online Neuro-affirming care course for therapists
