National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

By Jarris Coles RN, BSN

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) brings together everyone affected by eating disorders. This includes individuals who have experienced these disorders, their families and friends, students, educators, coaches, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups. They all share a common goal: to raise awareness and improve understanding of these complex conditions. 

Did you know?

Resources and References: ‍‍

Nutrition and Behavioral Health - Improve Your Mood With Food
10/20/2021‍‍

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/‍‍

1. People with IDD may experience episodes during meals where they disconnect from eating behaviors, leading to rapid consumption and lack of awareness of fullness cues.
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2. Dissociative eating (someone eats without being mentally present or aware) in the IDD population can stem from past trauma, sensory processing difficulties, anxiety, or as a coping mechanism for overwhelming emotions.
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3. Individuals with IDD may struggle to express discomfort or distress related to eating, making it harder to identify and address eating concerns.
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4. Effective intervention requires structured meal routines with consistent supervision and calm, predictable eating environments to reduce anxiety triggers.
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5. Treatment should involve healthcare professionals experienced in both eating     disorders and IDD, using adapted cognitive-behavioral strategies and trauma-informed care.
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6. Support plans should account for each person's cognitive abilities, communication     style, sensory sensitivities, and involve the individual in their own care decisions to promote autonomy and dignity.