Eating Disorder Treatment for the Neurodivergent Community
When you feel truly seen, affirmed and supported, healing from an eating disorder is possible. That’s why Center for Discovery created the online treatment community, SENSE: Sensory Empowerment and Nervous System Engagement Program.
Who is SENSE for?
Adults with eating disorders like avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) who have a Neurodivergent diagnosis such as ADHD, autism or sensory processing differences.
What makes SENSE programming unique?
SENSE is intentionally designed to improve the eating disorder treatment experience for our neurodivergent patients. Patients in SENSE can:
- Build awareness of their distinct sensory system and how it affects daily experiences;
- Explore different sensory types and learn how they affect their nervous system — from feeling overstimulated to feeling calm and regulated;
- Understand the connection between sensory processing and an eating disorder;
- Combine dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills with sensory strategies to support eating patterns;
- Attend online so they can heal from home;
- Provide family education on how the sensory, nervous and digestive systems work together in the recovery process.
Where is SENSE provided?
SENSE is available online in 11 states:
- California
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- Oregon
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
What does SENSE programming look like?
Take a look at a sample schedule. Patients will never feel alone with ongoing structured meal support during their time in the SENSE program:
| Tues | Wed | Thurs | |
| 4:00 | Express yourself | CARE support | Peer support |
| 5:00 | Sensory support dinner | Exposure dinner | Sensory support dinner |
| 6:00 | Body SENSE & movement | DBT skills | Making SENSE |
Core Values of the SENSE Program
Believe internal diversity
Community healing
Sensory-affirming support
Honoring neurodivergent diversity
Centering patient autonomy and choice
Unlearning ableism
Supporting accessible feeding through accommodation
Community support
Collaboration over compliance
Alongside the core values, the SENSE team wants patients to know:
- Stimming and sensory supports are enthusiastically invited to groups and meals.
- We trust and believe our patient’s experiences.
- We love learning about our patient’s special interests.
- Many of the SENSE team members are Neurodivergent
Meet the Team
LB/Lindsay Birchfield (they/them),
MS, RD, CEDRD-S
Grace Whorley (she/her),
MA, LMHC, LPC
Maria Moran (she/her),
MS, RD
Jenna Rudnitskas (she/her),
MA, LMHC, LPC
Most Major Insurances Are Accepted
Center for Discovery is a preferred provider with most major insurance companies. By submitting your insurance information, our team of experienced insurance verification specialists will confirm not only if the level of care you are seeking is covered by your policy but also determine what, if any, out-of-pocket costs you would incur.