Autism Nutritionists and Dietitians in 27511

Photo of Kendra Leanne Gaffney - Nutritious Thoughts, LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CEDS-C
Nutritious Thoughts, LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CEDS-C
Cary, NC 27511
We provide support around Eating Disorders, Eating Concerns, Embodiment, Nutrition for Substance Use Recovery, Nutrition for Mental Health, Nutrition for Competitive & Recreational Athletes, Chronic Health Concerns, and Gestational, Hormonal & Reproductive health. Nutritious Thoughts is a team of compassion-centered dietitians located in North Carolina and virtually across the nation! We practice under the philosophy that humans of all body sizes, shapes, & abilities are worthy of care. We strive to create an authentic human experience through connection & creating positive relationships with food.
We provide support around Eating Disorders, Eating Concerns, Embodiment, Nutrition for Substance Use Recovery, Nutrition for Mental Health, Nutrition for Competitive & Recreational Athletes, Chronic Health Concerns, and Gestational, Hormonal & Reproductive health. Nutritious Thoughts is a team of compassion-centered dietitians located in North Carolina and virtually across the nation! We practice under the philosophy that humans of all body sizes, shapes, & abilities are worthy of care. We strive to create an authentic human experience through connection & creating positive relationships with food.
(828) 348-5822 View (828) 348-5822

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Melissa Teel, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, MS
Melissa Teel
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, MS
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Some of my top specialties are digestion (IBS, SIBO, Celiac, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohns), weight loss, diabetes (types 1, 2, & gestational), child feeding, Autism, prenatal & postnatal nutrition, breastfeeding, PCOS, menopause, & fertility nutrition.
Do you have a health challenge that you've struggled to overcome...even with medical help? Sometimes it seems like achieving great digestion, hormone balance, and high energy may be impossible to achieve...and that prospect can be daunting. As a Dietitian Nutritionist with additional expertise in Functional Medicine, I approach healthcare differently. I find and address root causes, provide individualized, realistic plans, and support you along your journey. The result is healthcare actually makes you healthier.
Some of my top specialties are digestion (IBS, SIBO, Celiac, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohns), weight loss, diabetes (types 1, 2, & gestational), child feeding, Autism, prenatal & postnatal nutrition, breastfeeding, PCOS, menopause, & fertility nutrition.
Do you have a health challenge that you've struggled to overcome...even with medical help? Sometimes it seems like achieving great digestion, hormone balance, and high energy may be impossible to achieve...and that prospect can be daunting. As a Dietitian Nutritionist with additional expertise in Functional Medicine, I approach healthcare differently. I find and address root causes, provide individualized, realistic plans, and support you along your journey. The result is healthcare actually makes you healthier.
(910) 665-8543 View (910) 665-8543
Photo of Monica Gulisano, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Monica Gulisano
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707
As an integrative and functional dietitian nutritionist, I partner with you to determine specific nutrition solutions and support for ailments such as gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, chronic migraines, cancer, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disorders, thyroid issues, cardiovascular challenges, ADD, PCOS and of course, food allergies, intolerances, and hypersensitivities.
As an integrative and functional dietitian nutritionist, I partner with you to determine specific nutrition solutions and support for ailments such as gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, chronic migraines, cancer, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disorders, thyroid issues, cardiovascular challenges, ADD, PCOS and of course, food allergies, intolerances, and hypersensitivities.
(984) 204-7616 View (984) 204-7616
Photo of Alex Hussey, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CEDS-C
Alex Hussey
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CEDS-C
Serves Area
I’m a registered dietitian with a private practice that supports individuals struggling with eating disorders, chronic dieting, and body image issues - for the folks I work with, food feels hard. I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space for all individuals to share and process their experiences - my style is warm, accessible, and not without humor. I regularly integrate nutrition science with body-based (somatic) practices and therapeutic coaching to help my clients learn to nourish themselves from the bottom up, with confidence.
I’m a registered dietitian with a private practice that supports individuals struggling with eating disorders, chronic dieting, and body image issues - for the folks I work with, food feels hard. I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space for all individuals to share and process their experiences - my style is warm, accessible, and not without humor. I regularly integrate nutrition science with body-based (somatic) practices and therapeutic coaching to help my clients learn to nourish themselves from the bottom up, with confidence.
(704) 237-6539 View (704) 237-6539
Photo of Sarah Poling, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Sarah Poling
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Online Only
Hello! I am a North Carolina-based Registered Dietitian with the group practice Karuna Wellness Studio, who sees clients virtually across the US. Karuna is a group practice that offers nutrition and movement services through a anti-diet, HAES-aligned, weight-neutral approach. We integrate elements of lifestyle medicine & nutritional psychiatry to serve as health advocates for our clients, promoting both physical and mental health. With clients, I create safe space where her clients can discover their authentic selves, meet their needs while rediscovering joy, and work toward autonomy in their relationship with food and body.
Hello! I am a North Carolina-based Registered Dietitian with the group practice Karuna Wellness Studio, who sees clients virtually across the US. Karuna is a group practice that offers nutrition and movement services through a anti-diet, HAES-aligned, weight-neutral approach. We integrate elements of lifestyle medicine & nutritional psychiatry to serve as health advocates for our clients, promoting both physical and mental health. With clients, I create safe space where her clients can discover their authentic selves, meet their needs while rediscovering joy, and work toward autonomy in their relationship with food and body.
(980) 351-3524 View (980) 351-3524
Photo of Morgan Rossi, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Morgan Rossi
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Online Only
My ideal client is someone who is seeking support in building an intentional relationship with their body. I specialize in disordered eating dynamics that involve binge eating, fear of body changes, struggles with body image, and anxiety around food. I am additionally passionate about working with folks who experience sensory sensitivities, low appetite and/or trauma-associated food dysregulation. I create a space that celebrates queerness and those who identify as neurodivergent. My practice is fundamentally based in harm reduction, curiosity, and an individualized care approach.
My ideal client is someone who is seeking support in building an intentional relationship with their body. I specialize in disordered eating dynamics that involve binge eating, fear of body changes, struggles with body image, and anxiety around food. I am additionally passionate about working with folks who experience sensory sensitivities, low appetite and/or trauma-associated food dysregulation. I create a space that celebrates queerness and those who identify as neurodivergent. My practice is fundamentally based in harm reduction, curiosity, and an individualized care approach.
(828) 522-9371 View (828) 522-9371

Online Dietitians and Nutritionists

Photo of Erin Skinner, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Erin Skinner
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
1 Endorsed
Southern Pines, NC 28387
Do you have a health challenge that you've struggled to overcome...even with medical help? Sometimes it seems like achieving a healthy weight, great digestion, and high energy may be impossible to achieve...and that prospect can be daunting. As an experienced Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, I approach healthcare differently. I find and address root causes, provide individualized, realistic plans, and support you along your journey. The result is healthcare actually makes you healthier.
Do you have a health challenge that you've struggled to overcome...even with medical help? Sometimes it seems like achieving a healthy weight, great digestion, and high energy may be impossible to achieve...and that prospect can be daunting. As an experienced Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, I approach healthcare differently. I find and address root causes, provide individualized, realistic plans, and support you along your journey. The result is healthcare actually makes you healthier.
(910) 335-9146 View (910) 335-9146
Photo of Taylor Doktycz, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Taylor Doktycz
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
1 Endorsed
High Point, NC 27262
Hi there, I am so glad you stopped by! If you are looking to improve your relationship with food, want to stop thinking about food 24/7, and are looking to feel better and improve your health without restriction, then you are in the right place. Nutrition does not have to feel so complicated. I am here to help make eating feel easier and for you to feel empowered in your health journey. Whether you want help with recovering from an eating disorder, want to feel stronger and improve your sports performance, or need help with feeding your family, I am here to help guide and support you along the way.
Hi there, I am so glad you stopped by! If you are looking to improve your relationship with food, want to stop thinking about food 24/7, and are looking to feel better and improve your health without restriction, then you are in the right place. Nutrition does not have to feel so complicated. I am here to help make eating feel easier and for you to feel empowered in your health journey. Whether you want help with recovering from an eating disorder, want to feel stronger and improve your sports performance, or need help with feeding your family, I am here to help guide and support you along the way.
(336) 849-5330 View (336) 849-5330
Autism Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is the link between autism and diet?
While there is no evidence to suggest that autism is caused by diet, some individuals with autism face challenges related to food that highlight the importance of considering how diet and autism may be connected. Studies have shown that individuals with autism are more likely to have inadequate food intake compared to the general population. Many people with autism experience feeding issues due to sensory-related challenges. Just as loud sounds or bright lights can trigger sensory overload, the consistency, texture, smell, and strong taste of some foods can similarly cause sensory overload for individuals with autism, potentially leading to food aversion and/or malnutrition. Additionally, studies have indicated that individuals with autism often have different concentrations of bacteria within their gut microbiome, which may influence their response to food; however, much more research is needed to fully understand this connection.

What is autism food aversion?
Autism-related food aversion occurs when individuals with autism strongly dislike specific foods. This aversion is often triggered by sensory experiences such as texture, taste, smell, or how the food is presented. Some individuals with autism may also avoid certain foods due to concerns about choking or difficulty swallowing. The specific foods that individuals with autism avoid can vary widely. For example, crunchy foods like chips or carrots may be avoided due to the intense sensory experience they provide when eaten. On the other hand, soft foods with a gooey texture, such as applesauce or cottage cheese, may also trigger food aversion because of their specific textures.

What diet is best for people with autism?
There is no single best diet for individuals with autism, but experts generally recommend a balanced, plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat proteins. However, due to potential food aversions, maintaining this balanced diet can be challenging for some. In such cases, experimenting with different foods and cooking methods may become important to ensure adequate nutrition. For example, while raw vegetables may be off-putting to some with autism due to sensory-related aversions, cooking them might make them more appealing and easier to consume. This illustrates that the presentation and preparation of food can often be more crucial than the specific type of food consumed. Ultimately, this tailored approach to individual sensory sensitivities and preferences can be essential to ensure that individuals with autism can still meet their nutritional needs.

Should people with autism see a dietitian?
Individuals with autism may benefit from seeing a dietitian if their challenges around food are impacting their ability to eat a healthy and balanced diet. For instance, if food-related sensory issues are limiting the ability of someone with autism to eat essential vitamins and minerals, a dietitian may be able to suggest strategies to overcome these challenges. It is important to look for a dietitian who has expertise in autism, as not all dietitians may be knowledgeable about working with individuals on the autism spectrum. In addition, it is important to look for a dietitian who is willing to work with other professionals of the individual's care team, such as therapists, who may also be working on topics related to food.