Navigating Neurodiversity, Health and Me
- Biomedic Nutritionist
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
My brain is autistic, ADHD, and dyslexic. It is the lens through which I see the world, experience life, the tool I use to practice as a healthcare professional, and the reality I navigate every single day. I also manage enduring health conditions, know what it means to keep moving forward when there is little alternative, and have first-hand experience of adapting to life around them, whilst it does not always adapt to me.
Because of this, when I talk about neurodiversity, health conditions, and the exhaustion of trying to have a quality of life or find the right support, I am not speaking from a textbook. I am speaking from lived experience.
My Journey & Lived Experience
Living in the ‘normal’ world, and at the intersection of neurodiversity and chronic illness has shaped both my life and my practice. I know what it’s like to balance sensory needs with nutritional health, to manage the exhaustion and executive dysfunction of ADHD, and to face the unique daily hurdles that come with my autistic spectrum and conditions that don't have a day off. I have spent years learning how to adapt my environment, my routine, and my nutrition to support my brain and body—rather than fighting against them. It is this personal journey that fuels my passion for changing how I care for others.
The Crushing Exhaustion of the "Never-Ending Shift"
There is a specific kind of fatigue that comes with being neurodivergent (ND) and managing chronic health conditions. It’s the exhaustion of a system that never shuts off. For parents caring for neurodiverse children, or individuals trying to manage their own overlapping health needs, there is no "clocking out." You are constantly managing symptoms, schedules, sensory overloads, and appointments. It is a continuous cycle of care that can leave you feeling completely drained.
To make matters more challenging, navigating the traditional healthcare system can feel like an uphill battle. Too often, there can be a lack of understanding from others. Well-meaning help or advice is offered—and sometimes that help is incredibly useful—but other times, outside perceptions just add to the pressure. When dealing with complex, overlapping symptoms, whether for ourselves or a loved one, being passed around from one healthcare professional to another, or trying to coordinate care and support, can feel entirely overwhelming.
Clinical Expertise Meets the "Wrap-Around Blanket"
When you are functioning but not thriving, standard, rigid health advice doesn't always work. Your body and your brain need an approach that understands how the pieces fit together. This is exactly where my background and experience comes in.
Formal Dietetic Assessment: As a dietitian, I can provide the essential, regulated clinical framework. We look at your history, your symptoms, and your specific health conditions to see exactly what your body needs from a clinical standpoint. Useful to help navigate the healthcare system, communicate with healthcare professions, but more importantly provide personal help and advice with a caring, compassionate and understanding approach.
Holistic Support: As a nutritional therapist, I build upon that framework to look at the whole of you—your awareness of where you are and what help you need, your capacity to make any changes, your conditions, your sensory preferences, your home and lifestyle, your daily reality and next steps you want or need to make moving forward.
I like to think of this combined approach as a wrap-around blanket. You get the clinical reassurance of a formal assessment, enveloped with a supportive, holistic approach that actually helps.
Finding the Right Fit
Whether you are looking after your own health, trying to support a neurodivergent family member, or feeling lost in a sea of appointments, you do not have to figure this out alone. I am here to help.
We can have a conversation about your needs, your challenges, and how we can create a practical plan that genuinely fits your life.
Finding the Right Fit
Whether you are looking after your own health, trying to support a neurodivergent family member, or feeling lost in a sea of appointments, you do not have to figure this out alone.
If you are ready to explore a supportive approach to your health, and to your nutrition, I am here to help. We can have a conversation about your needs, your challenges, and how we can create a practical plan that genuinely fits your life.
Book a Free Chat
To the person who is functioning but not thriving — who is unsure or does not know what steps to take moving forward — book a free, no-obligation chat with me to explore how I can help.
Book a Nutrition Wellbeing Check-In
If you need a more in-depth discussion but are not ready or unsure about committing to a full assessment, you can book a Nutrition Wellbeing Check-In (Paid Appointment). This gives us more time together and it is where I can provide general advice and helpful signposting to guide you forward.
Anna x
