Written by Naureen Hunani for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network
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Autistic individuals often have unique and deeply personal experiences with food—experiences that are frequently misunderstood or pathologized. Dominant narratives around eating are grounded in neuronormative ideals: that eating should be flexible, socially motivated, and varied. These assumptions reinforce the belief that there is a “right” way to eat, leaving little room for diverse expressions of nourishment and eating.
Feeding differences in Autistic individuals are real and valid. Differences in how sensory information is processed and integrated often shape specific food needs related to texture, temperature, smell, and flavor intensity. But sensory sensitivities are just one piece of the puzzle. Many Autistic people also experience differences in motor planning, coordination, gastrointestinal functioning, and executive functioning. A strong need for predictability, transitions between activities, and the daily reality of capacity fluctuations can all impact when, how, and what someone is able to eat.
These factors are not signs of an issue—they’re natural variations in how people move through the world. In real life, this might look like someone who thrives on a consistent, familiar list of preferred foods. There is nothing inherently wrong with this. In fact, this kind of eating often supports regulation and well-being. On the other end of the spectrum, some Autistic individuals may have a highly refined sensory palate, able to identify every ingredient in a dish and replicate it with incredible precision—skills that sometimes lead to careers in the culinary arts. Both ends of the spectrum—and everything in between—are valid.
As a dietitian supporting Autistic individuals with feeding differences, and as someone who trains clinicians working in this space, I often witness the emotional weight that comes from trying to eat in a world not built with Autistic needs in mind. Many people I support aren’t struggling because something is “wrong” with them, but because they’ve internalized stigma, experienced shame, and been told repeatedly that their needs don’t matter. We also cannot talk about Autistic food experiences without acknowledging Autistic food identity and the intersections that shape it—body size, race, gender, and disability all influence how someone’s food needs are perceived or dismissed. These overlapping identities can affect access to care, and how feeding differences are framed.
That’s why it’s essential to reimagine what eating can look and feel like—especially for Autistic people. This means creating space to gently unpack food stories without judgment. It means validating internal experiences that may never have been acknowledged before. It means recognizing the trauma that comes from years of being told that your food preferences are problematic, inconvenient, or embarrassing.
Reimagining eating involves inviting curiosity over control, honoring body autonomy, and finding ways to nourish ourselves that feel safe, accessible, and joyful. It also means recognizing that joy is not one-size-fits-all—and neither is nourishment. At the core of this approach is a belief in authenticity: that our food needs, however they show up, are worthy of respect and support.
If we truly want to support Autistic individuals, we must let go of the myth of “normal” eating. Only then can we make space for food relationships that are inclusive, affirming, and rooted in safety and trust.
Naureen Hunani is a neurodivergent registered dietitian and founder of RDs for Neurodiversity. She specializes in trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming care for individuals and families with feeding and eating challenges. Based in Montreal, Naureen also trains professionals worldwide to build inclusive, anti-oppressive practices.