Neurodivergent Nutrition: Making Food Easier and Stress-Free for ADHD, ASD and IDD with Jackie Silver, RD

Written By Brittany Cory

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Neurodivergent-Affirming Nutrition with Jackie Silver, RD

Supporting neurodivergent individuals with food and nutrition goes far beyond “just eat healthy.” For kids, teens, and adults with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), eating can be tied to executive functioning challenges, sensory sensitivities, and overwhelming wellness messages that don’t always fit their lived experience.

That’s where Jackie Silver, Registered Dietitian and founder of Jackie Silver Nutrition, steps in. Based in New York City, Jackie runs a neurodiversity-affirming, weight-inclusive private practice that supports clients across the U.S. and Canada. She specializes in helping neurodivergent clients and their families find practical, stress-free approaches to food.

In our conversation, Jackie shared powerful insights about nutrition through a neurodivergent lens and how shifting the focus from rules to compassion can make food feel easier, more accessible, and less overwhelming.

In this episode

  • Neurodivergent-affirming nutrition and executive functioning-friendly eating

  • Making food easier and stress-free for individuals with autism or ADHD

  • The role of routine and structure in successful nutrition habits for neurodivergent clients

  • Balancing gentle nutrition with honouring unique preferences and sensory needs

  • Self-compassion and feeling like you're “failing at eating right”

What Does Neurodivergent-Affirming Nutrition Look Like?

For Jackie, it’s about meeting clients where they are. Instead of focusing on restriction or “perfect” eating, she works to create realistic strategies that reduce stress and honor sensory needs. That might mean finding grab-and-go foods that actually get eaten, making convenience items shame-free, or building small routines that support consistency without rigidity.

“Making food easier is one of the biggest gifts you can give a neurodivergent person,” Jackie explained.

Breaking Down Misconceptions

There are plenty of myths about how individuals with ADHD or autism “should” eat. One common misconception is that highly processed foods or packaged snacks are automatically “bad.” Jackie encourages her clients to reframe these foods as valuable tools—especially when executive functioning or appetite challenges make cooking from scratch unrealistic.

She also challenges the pressure to eat in ways that fit diet culture ideals. “Healthy doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. For my clients, it’s about finding what actually works for their brain and body.”

Strategies for Sensory-Friendly Eating

Many neurodivergent clients experience food aversions or strong sensory preferences. Jackie uses sensory-based feeding therapy techniques and mindful eating approaches to expand food variety while respecting boundaries. Progress might look like tolerating a new texture on the plate, adding a single new safe food, or finding a protein source that feels manageable.

“These are huge wins that deserve to be celebrated,” she shared.

Supporting Clients on ADHD Medications

One challenge that comes up often is appetite suppression caused by ADHD medication. Jackie helps clients build fuelling strategies that work around this, such as:

  • Eating balanced meals before medication kicks in

  • Keeping high-energy snacks accessible for when appetite returns

  • Using smoothies or softer foods when eating feels overwhelming

The goal: consistent nourishment that supports energy, focus, and overall health.

Shame and comparison are common struggles Jackie sees in her clients, especially when they feel like they’re “failing” at nutrition or not measuring up to what they see online. Her message? Self-compassion is essential.

“Nourishment isn’t about perfection- it’s about progress, flexibility, and honouring your unique needs,” Jackie reminded listeners.

Connect with Jackie Silver, RD:

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Until next time,

Britt

Meet the gal behind the post

Hey! I’m Brittany (but you can call me Britt) and I’m a food-loving Intuitive Eating Registered Dietitian here to empower you to find your way with food, nutrition, movement, and self care outside the limits of diet culture. Because you deserve peace with food, eating, and your body.

Brittany Cory
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