Eating Disorder Awareness Week - Introduction For Parents and Carers

Mary_Scope

Eating Disorder Awareness Week - Part Two
Eating Disorder Awareness Week - Part Three

This week is Eating Disorders Awareness Week and often the intersection of disability and disordered eating can often go unnoticed but creates unique challenges. This is why we are making it this weeks focus.

For many parents of disabled children, mealtimes can already be a stressful situation for many reasons such as managing medications, dietary restrictions related to specific conditions or sensory processing difficulties etc.

Eating disorders add another layer of complexity to mealtimes for families of disabled children but these struggles are often overlooked or dismissed as related to their disability or simply "picky eating."

However, eating disorders can have a different way of manifesting in disabled children.

For example, a teenager with mobility challenges might find a sense of control in limiting their food intake or a young child with sensory processing difficulties may only be able tolerate certain smells or textures of food which can lead to restrictive eating.

This week we are going to talk a lot more about this topic.

We will look at types of eating disorders, recognizing the signs of an eating disorder in a disabled child and what do if you suspect your child has an eating disorder. We will also look at how to connect with other parents and where to find support for both yourself and your child.

What are your biggest concerns or questions about mealtimes with your child? Have you ever wondered if "picky eating" might be something more?

What kind of support would be most helpful for you and your family from the community around this topic?