Existentialism, OCD, “Atypical” Anorexia, and Being an Autistic Alien w/ Dr. Marianne Miller

Do you or a loved one ever feel like you were born on the wrong planet? Livia Sara and Dr. Marianne Miller both know what it’s like to experience life as a neurodivergent alien. The existential loneliness that comes with this sense of alienation can be so unbearable that the eating disorder becomes an escape – a way to create a sense of meaning and purpose when you feel lost. In today’s episode, Livia and Marianne discuss how eating “disorders” are adaptive responses to a threatening world, emphasizing the importance of listening to stories of lived experience. Key Topics Discussed: Growing up feeling existentially lost as an autistic person in a neurotypical world How eating disorders can be viewed as a form of autistic masking – a way to compensate for your innate sense of being “wrong” Unpacking the “atypical anorexia” diagnosis and dismantling harmful hierarchies in eating disorder treatment The difference between autistic routines vs OCD rituals How eating disorders can be considered a form of stimming in neurodivergent individuals 🌈 Grab your copy of Rainbow Girl, Livia’s memoir of autism and anorexia👯 Join the Autistically ED-Free Membership💗 Apply for 1-1 Coaching with Livia📷 Connect with Livia on Instagram Mentioned episodes: My episode on Marianne’s Podcast Existential Suffering AFTER an Eating Disorder What if I Can’t Handle Being Healthy? About Marianne: Dr. Marianne has been in the mental health field for 27 years and has specialized in eating disorders for the last 12 years. She was a full-time academic for 12 years and had a part-time eating disorder practice for much of that time until she left the university and went into private practice full-time in 2018. Dr. Marianne loves working with eating disorders as a therapist and an online course creator (her newest course is on ARFID and Selective Eating). She takes a non-diet, feminist approach that helps people of all genders live empowered, authentic lives. She embraces the Health at Every Size (HAES®) model, and is neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ affirming. Dr. Marianne is neurodivergent herself. Connect with Marianne: Instagram @drmariannemiller Website drmariannemiller.com ARFID and Selective Eating Course on Teachable