Food can be an enjoyable way to connect with other people, cultures and the world around you. It boasts an abundance of flavours and textures, suitable for everyone to explore and discover their unique tastes and personal palate. Neurodivergent people may encounter barriers when exploring new foods due to sensory sensitivities and preferences. This can make trying new foods a more challenging or frustrating experience. If you are curious about trying new foods, this guide can help you venture into the world of food with confidence, and even help you find a new favourite dish.
By Kayleigh Richards
Understanding Neurodiversity and Food
Neurodiversity can have an impact on an individuals’ comfort when trying unfamiliar foods. Autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders may influence one’s perception of taste, smell and texture. This can contribute to resistance when encountering a new food or even a familiar food that has been prepared in a different way. The first step to exploring new foods is to understand your own neurodivergent experience, and understand how this impacts your perception of novel foods. The following guidelines can help you embrace the challenging aspects of unfamiliar food, and navigate them according to your preferences.