Webinar: Adapting Eating Disorder Care for Neurodivergent People

Webinar Date

09/02/2026

About this Webinar

This workshop will explore the interplay between neurodivergence and eating disorders and how to adapt eating disorders care to better meet the needs of neurodivergent people. Neurodivergent people are overrepresented in eating disorder treatment services and treatment is often more extended or intensive for autistic people compared to their neurotypical peers. Experiencing a lack of understanding or tailored supports are barriers to effective, supportive treatment, and there is much to be done to rectify this. We will look at ways to adapt care both in inpatient and outpatient treatment settings so that treatment experiences and treatment outcomes can be improved.

Presented By: Colleen Alford, Clinical Specialist Social Worker and PhD Candidate

Colleen Alford is a Senior Social Worker, family therapist, and PhD candidate. Colleen specialises in providing family based treatment for children and adolescents with eating disorders and has worked at The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Eating Disorders Service for twenty years. Colleen is passionate about developing eating disorder services that are neuro-affirming and adaptive. Her PhD research is focused on understanding and improving eating disorder treatment experiences for autistic young people and their families.

Please note: The recording is available for a limited time only until Monday 23 March COB 2026.