A Deep Dive into Autism and Eating Disorders, with Ryan Althaus

Today I’m talking to Ryan Althaus from Santa Cruz, California - a 39 year old eating disorder survivor on his own recovery journey. He runs a non-profit program (an inclusivity project based around uniting diverse groups with disabilities through art and recreation). You can check this out at www.sweatysheep.com Ryan has a diagnosis of autism and is passionate about educating and raising awareness of eating disorder concerns that can go alongside this. He is an ex professional marathon runner and semi-professional Ironman Triathlete.  Ryan is also an ordained minister of the National Presbyterian Church USA in charge of mental health awareness throughout the SF Bay region. And is this wasn’t enough, he is additionally a certified Yoga Instructor and Certified Psychiatric Chaplain.  Ryan also hosts a a bi-weekly radio show on Mental Health called "The Kooky Side of Crazy". He has also authored several children’s books and has recently published a new book ‘From Emaciated to Emancipated talking all about his recovery journey’ and has another book coming out later this year.  Ryan has struggled with eating disorders and exercise addiction since childhood, then having health issues prior to Covid, sent him into an intense eating disorder relapse. He has also had relatively recent diagnosis of autism, which has helped shed light and understanding into some aspects about his relationship with food and exercise. In the episode today, we’re going to hear all about Ryan’s eating disorder recovery journey with the ups and downs of this. We do a deep dive into understanding Ryan’s perspective of living with autism and an eating disorder, this being an area that still needs far greater understanding and insight.  I hope that you enjoy it. To find out more or get in touch with Ryan: - Website: https://www.thesurfingmango.com/   Bite Size Eating Disorder Therapy Membership https://www.patreon.com/theeatingdisordertherapist Online 10 Steps to Intuitive Eating Course with Harriet Frew - 50% off with code FREEDOMISPOSSIBLE https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/online-courses.html