Mental Health Dietitian | Supervisor | Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician
- Neurodivergent Nutrition
- ARFID
- Body Image
- Gender Affirming Care
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Maud is passionate about
Improving healthcare for neurodivergent people who are too often misunderstood or dismissed. I work to create a practice where people can show up as their authentic selves and be genuinely heard and respected.
dr maud achard
In my previous career as a researcher and lecturer in academia, life taught me the importance of mental wellbeing and receiving adequate support. I then decided to go back to university to become a dietitian and specialise in mental health to help reduce stigma in this area.
Over the years, I have been supporting individuals in hospital and community mental health services. It is through this journey that I started to work with neurodivergent people. Communication felt easy with Autistic and ADHDers. I could relate to so many experiences my clients shared, which in the end led me to the wonderful discovery that I am neurodivergent myself.
My approach is informed by the neurodiversity paradigm and the neurodiversity movement. Sessions often explore sensory needs, communication, executive function supports, and the broader contexts that influence eating—not just what we eat, but how and why. I aim to meet each person where they are, fostering collaboration rather than compliance.
My dietetics practice draws on a range of frameworks and therapy models, including: Responsive Feeding Therapy (RFT), Trauma Informed Care, Non-Diet Approach and Health at Every Size (HAES), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family System therapy (IFS).
Master of Dietetics Studies – The University of Queensland
Master in Toxicology – France
PhD in Ecotoxicology – France
Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician – ANZAED
Additional Study
I’m passionate about ongoing learning and undertake multiple professional development trainings each year, so this list may not be fully up to date. I prioritise learning from neurodivergent educators and clinicians, including Naureen Hunani (RD for Neurodiversity), Kristy Forbes (inTune Pathways), Emily Kircher-Morris (Neurodiversity Podcast), and Dr Megan-Anna Neff (Neurodivergent Insights).
- Responsive Feeding Therapy (RFT) - EDRDPro
- Inclusive Approaches to Supporting Neurodivergent Children with Feeding Challenges – RDs for Neurodiversity
- Trauma Informed Dietetics Care – EDRDPro
- Trauma Informed Care of Autistic People – Learn Play Thrive
- ADHD, Trauma, Food and the Body – RDs for Neurodiversity
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Dietitians - EDRDPro
- ACT for ADHD - Russ Harris
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – EDRDPro & Project Air
- Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO-DBT) - EDRDPro
- The Autism and Neurodiversity Masterclass – Autism Camp Australia
- Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM) - QuEDS
- Body Image Counselling / Weight Neutral Approach – Marcy RD Nutrition
- Supervisor Course (for clinical supervision) - Queensland Centre for Mental Health Learning
My SPINs (special interests) are Dungeons and Dragons, Sci-fi and fantasy books, charcoal drawing, learning about how neurodivergent brains work.
I am a board member at Eating Disorder Neurodiversity Australia (EDNA). Part of my role includes
developing training materials and running education workshops for health professionals to help create a more accessible, safe, and supportive space for the diversity of minds out there.
I also offer supervision for clinicians interested in neurodiversity affirming care.
Explore content Maud has created on her passion topics!
Eating Disorder Neurodiversity Australia
Podcast Episodes
Neurodivergence and Eating Disorders - Dr Maud Achard
Listen to the All Bodies podcast on spotify
I am a board member at Eating Disorder Neurodiversity Australia (EDNA). Part of my role includes
developing training materials and running education workshops for health professionals to help create a
more accessible, safe, and supportive space for the diversity of minds out there.
Kellie: ADHD and the importance of person-centred eating disorder care
45:54
Phaedra: Autism, sense of self, and eating disorders
35:00
1:03:00
I have also co-written a series of information sheets about supporting neurodivergent individuals with an eating disorder.
GUEST EXPERT
