Eating Disorders and Autism: Understanding the Overlap and Supporting Recovery
A collaborative workshop offered virtually by the Autism Societies of Greater Wisconsin and Minnesota
Virtual Workshop | December 4, 2025 | 9AM – 12PM
About the Workshop
Autistic individuals are at significantly higher risk for certain eating disorders—especially anorexia and ARFID—yet their experiences are often misunderstood or overlooked in traditional treatment models. This workshop, co-presented by the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin (ASGW), Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) and Melrose Center, explores the intersection of autism and eating disorders through research, lived experience, and clinical insight.
We’ll examine why eating disorders and autism frequently co-occur, how autistic traits can shape the presentation of eating disorders, and why many conventional treatment models fall short for this population. Attendees will gain practical tools for providing or advocating for more affirming, individualized care—whether you’re a provider, caregiver, or autistic person navigating recovery.
Objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will…
- Describe the rates of co-occurrence and unique presentation of eating disorders in autistic individuals, with a focus on anorexia and ARFID.
- Explain why autistic traits—such as sensory sensitivities, cognitive rigidity, and interoception challenges—can contribute to or complicate eating disorders.
- Identify systemic barriers and common shortcomings in current eating disorder treatments for autistic people.
- Understand key elements of more effective, neurodiversity-affirming approaches to treatment.
Content note: this workshop will discuss eating disorders, including restrictive behaviors.
Presenters:
Heather Gallivan, PsyD, LP, is the Clinical Director at Melrose Center. She joined Melrose in 2004 and has worked with eating disorder patients in all levels of care from outpatient to residential treatment settings. She obtained her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. Prior to joining Melrose Center, Dr. Gallivan is a passionate leader and teacher concerning the prevention and treatment of eating disorders, and how societal messages impact our beliefs and attitudes about food, weight, and body image.
Zephyr James is an Autistic adult and the Director of Marketing and Communications at AuSM. With over a decade of experience in creating resources, trainings, events, and community for Autistic individuals in Minnesota, they bring the lived experience of both Autism and an eating disorder. Zephyr has completed the Partners in Policymaking disability advocacy program and was a Minnesota LEND Fellow.
Andrea Zuellig, Ph.D, LP has worked with eating disorder patients at Melrose Center’s various levels of care for over 20 years. She currently works in Melrose Center’s higher levels of care (intensive residential, residential, partial day treatment), and is also the Clinical Lead of Melrose’s Binge Eating Disorder program. Dr. Zuellig obtained her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Pennsylvania State University, with a minor in Human Diversity. Dr. Zuellig has particular interests in the areas of neurodiversity and eating disorders, and health at any size.
Audience:
This workshop is ideal for parents/family members, autistic adults, educators, support staff, and other professionals.
Registration
Registration Fee
The registration fee includes access to the live workshop and access to the recording for one month. The registration fee includes access for one participant, access may not be shared.
Member: $49.99 | Non-Member: $59.99 | Autistic Individual: $39.99
Waiver Funding
Families enrolled in Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Waiver, Children’s Community Options Program (CCOP), IRIS or Family Care may be able to use these funds to pay for conference registration fees. Please have your service coordinator fill out the Third Party Payer Form to register with waiver funding.
Access Email
Upon registering for the training you will receive a confirmation email containing further information. If you have registered but have not yet received your confirmation email, please contact Brittany Maren at bmaren@autismgreaterwi.org.
Cancellation Policy
We are unable to accept cancellation or refund requests for this training.