May 26, 2025

Are Eating Disorders A Form of Autistic Masking?

40 minutes

What if ED behaviors in autistic people were not problems to be fixed, but rather, powerful adaptations to feel safe? More specifically, what if eating disorders themselves are a form of autistic masking? In this episode, Livia Sara explains how eating disorders can manifest through three distinct types of masks, why neurodiversity-affirming approaches form the foundation of freedom, and how to discover your true self – without the masks of fear and limitation.

Highlights of today’s episode:

How autistic masking can be seen as a survival strategy in a neurotypical world

How the eating disorder forms three interwoven masks: external, identity, and compensatory

Introduction to The Adaptive Eating Spectrum (TAES) and how different eating patterns serve as both escape and mask

Why the body itself can feel like a mask for the infinite autistic being

The connection between masking, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and eating disorder behaviors

The powerful of transforming eating disorder “recovery” into your unique discovery journey

How to embrace neurodivergence and create safety while unmasking

🕊️ Apply for 1-1 coaching: www.livlabelfree.com/coaching
🌈 Join the Autistically ED-Free Membership: livlabelfree.com/membership
📚My books about autism and eating disorders: livlabelfreebooks.com
📲 Connect with Livia on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/livlabelfree/

Mentioned episodes:
Spontaneous Life Update: https://www.livlabelfree.com/podcasts/liv-label-free-neurodivergent-eating-disorder-recovery/episodes/2149012972
Autism and Binge Eating (4-part series): https://www.livlabelfree.com/blog/autism-and-binge-eating-part-1
Unnecessary Calories: https://www.livlabelfree.com/podcasts/liv-label-free-neurodivergent-eating-disorder-recovery/episodes/2149024496

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