This presentation is designed to help parents, carers and teachers understand how eating difficulties, disordered eating and eating disorders may present in children with SEND, and to offer practical, supportive strategies that reduce shame and support early intervention. Jenny will explore how disordered eating and eating disorders may present and how we as parents school staff, friends can respond with greater understanding and confidence. The session will cover autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory needs, body image concerns and food-related distress. With practical strategies and a whole school approach offered during the session we will be able to reduce shame, support eating and recognise early signs of concern.

Key Stage: KS3 - KS4

Audience Stage: 1 - 2

By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:                            

• Recognise the difference between eating difficulties, disordered eating and eating disorders 
• Examine how autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory needs and communication differences may affect eating
• Identify some early signs that a young person may be struggling
• Recognise how language, routines and environments can either help or worsen difficulties
• Identify take away practical, supportive strategies to use at home and in school