Autism, ADHD, & Food Sensory Issues: Navigating Eating Challenges With Patrick Casale

Why do some people with autism, ADHD, or AuDHD rely on the same safe foods every day, while certain textures or smells make eating feel impossible? In this episode, therapist and AuDHD advocate Patrick Casale shares how food sensory issues, texture aversion, and safe foods shape eating patterns for many neurodivergent adults. In this conversation, Dr. Marianne Miller speaks with Patrick about his experience of late-diagnosed autism and ADHD and how sensory sensitivities affect food choices, routines, and daily life. Patrick describes intense texture aversions, smell sensitivity, and the role safe foods play in creating nervous system stability. They also explore the internal tension many people with AuDHD experience between routine and novelty. Eating the same foods repeatedly can feel regulating and predictable, yet the ADHD side of the brain may crave variety and change. Patrick shares how this push and pull can make food decisions unexpectedly stressful. The discussion also touches on body dysmorphia in men, the pressure of toxic masculinity around appearance and strength, and why many men struggling with body image or eating concerns remain invisible in eating disorder conversations. Patrick also reflects on unmasking and self-advocacy, including honoring sensory needs, choosing comfortable clothing, and setting boundaries around overwhelming social expectations. About Patrick Casale Patrick Casale is an AuDHD TEDx speaker, therapist, podcaster, and consultant. He is the founder of All Things Private Practice and Resilient Mind Counseling. Patrick hosts the All Things Private Practice podcast and co-hosts Divergent Conversations with Dr. Megan Neff of Neurodivergent Insights. He also writes about late-discovered autism and ADHD on Substack in his newsletter The Grief Relief Paradox. Connect with Patrick on Instagram: @patrick.casale Related Episodes “Stuck” Isn’t Lazy: Inertia in ADHD, Autism, & Eating Disorder Recovery With Stacie Fanelli, LCSW on Apple & Spotify. Autism & Eating Challenges: Understanding Sensory Needs, Routines, & Safety on Apple & Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne Miller Dr. Marianne Miller is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in eating disorders, ARFID, binge eating disorder, and neurodivergent experiences with food. Check out her website at drmariannemiller.com. To learn more about therapy with Dr. Marianne Miller or explore her self-paced virtual courses on eating disorder recovery, visit her website. Topics discussed: AuDHD, autism and ADHD, food sensory issues, texture aversion, safe foods, body dysmorphia in men, neurodivergent eating.