A programme of work to ensure the needs of adults with neurodivergent needs and eating disorders are being met by services is being developed by the Kent and Sussex Adult Eating Disorders Provider Collaborative.
Experts by Experience (EbEs) are being recruited to support with this important programme of work, which will focus specifically on supporting adults with autism and/or ADHD and eating disorders, drawing on their experiences of being supported by services. One EbE has shared her thoughts on the progress to date:
"Some other EbEs and I were included in the early development of this project. It is a topic often overlooked in the mental health landscape but the crossover between neurodiversity and eating disorders is becoming more and more important, so it is now more critical than ever to focus on this. I hope my involvement can lead to better experiences for other neurodiverse individuals receiving eating disorder treatment so that support towards us is more proactive rather than reactive, therefore bettering our chances of recovery and quality of life."
The Provider Collaborative met with staff to present the findings from EbEs and identify opportunities for improvement. This has included looking at innovative staffing solutions to support patients, staff training options to give more understanding of what having neurodivergence means especially in the context of eating disorders and developing patient passports to support staff in understanding individual needs from the point of admission.
The next meeting, which will take place in August, will bring staff and EbEs together to look at which projects to prioritise and who needs to be involved to ensure the projects are successful and sustainable across services.
If you are interested in participating in these meetings, or would like any further information on this project please contact Olivia Moorhouse at spft.
