Today I speak to fellow South African, Educational Psychologist and Eating Disorder Advocate, Lucy Hathorn. Lucy shares with us her personal experience with anorexia and neurodivergence, and her mission in mental health advocacy.

Lucy is passionate about helping others navigate recovery, particularly addressing eating disorders in South Africa, where they are often overlooked and runs a successful Instagram account (@lovelucyclaire) to raise awareness about eating disorders and connect with those in recovery.

In this episode Lucy speaks to us about the impact of a parent's relationship with food and how this can unknowingly significantly impact children's perceptions of food and their bodies as diet culture deeply affects generations, with parents often unaware of their disordered eating behaviours. She urges parents to model a positive relationship with food and create a sense of safety for their children around eating as a preventative measure for the onset of disordered eating.

Lucy acknowledges that addressing disordered eating in children is complex, as it involves family systems. Effective support includes developing coping skills in children, providing parental guidance, and addressing systemic family dynamics. Family therapy and parental education are also critical tools.

Lucy also highlights the strong link between eating disorders and neurodivergence, particularly in girls and women with ADHD or autism. Girls often mask neurodivergent tendencies, and food becomes a coping mechanism. Emerging global practices include mandatory neurodivergence screenings for eating disorder patients.

Key Takeaways:

- Eating disorders require a holistic approach, considering biopsychosocial factors.

- Greater research and awareness are needed on neurocognitive links to eating disorders.

- Advocates for early intervention to reduce the prevalence of these issues.

You can follow Lucy on her Instagram account: @lovelucyclaire or contact her at So sorry for the delay 🌸. You can also provide my email address Lucy.edpsychologist@gmail.com to get in touch.