Autism & Eating: A Free Pre-Recorded Workshop 🍽️

At NEST, we know that eating can be one of the most misunderstood aspects of autism.

For many autistic people, food is about much more than taste.

Texture, smell, appearance, temperature, predictability and routine can all influence what feels safe, comfortable or manageable to eat.

Eating differences are not simply "fussy eating" or a refusal to try new things.

They are often linked to sensory processing, anxiety, interoception and the way an autistic person experiences the world.

What Is the Link Between Autism and Eating? 🧠

Eating can be affected by a variety of factors, including:

• Sensory sensitivities to taste, texture, smell, colour or temperature

• Strong preferences for familiar foods

• Difficulties with trying new or unfamiliar foods

• Differences in recognising hunger and fullness

• Anxiety around mealtimes or unexpected changes

• A need for predictability and routine

  
  

For some autistic people, certain foods can feel overwhelming, uncomfortable or even unbearable to eat.

This isn't about being difficult.

It's about understanding individual needs and experiences.

That's Why We've Created a Free Pre-Recorded Workshop on Autism & Eating 🎥

This on-demand workshop is designed to help build understanding around the relationship between autism and eating, while promoting compassionate, neuro-affirming approaches to support.

Why a Pre-Recorded Workshop? 📺

We know that everyone's schedules, energy levels and capacity are different.

Offering this workshop in a pre-recorded format means you can:

• Watch at a time that suits you

• Pause and revisit sections when needed

• Learn at your own pace

• Share the information with family members, colleagues or support staff

  
  

Accessibility and flexibility matter 💜

Who Is It For? 🤝

This workshop is for:

• Autistic individuals wanting to better understand their relationship with food

• Parents and carers supporting children and young people

• Professionals working in education, health and community settings

• Anyone interested in creating more inclusive and supportive mealtime experiences

How to Watch 👀

This workshop is:

• Completely free

• Available on demand

• Easy to access online

• Suitable for individuals, families and teams

• Split into 3 videos to make it easier to fit into you day

  
  

👉 Watch now: Eating and Autism Workshop - Part 1

Understanding autism and eating helps us move from assumptions to understanding, and from pressure to support.

When we recognise the reasons behind eating differences, we can create environments where people feel safer, more comfortable and better supported.