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Neuro-affirming Specialist Dietitian

Tailoring medical diets and everyday nutrition for neurodivergent brains and bodies

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A photograph of Alison, The Unexpected Dietitian looking at a laptop. Alison is a white (paler than pale) female with glasses and mid length, dark brown wavy hair. She is wearing a brown William Morris print dress and is smiling.

Hi, I’m Alison, a UK-based registered dietitian with over 30 years of NHS clinical experience.

My approach to nutrition was reshaped most profoundly by being a mum to a neurodivergent young person living with M.E, PoTS, hypermobility and MCAS. Once we saw the connections, all those random symptoms became so much clearer.

We suffered years of disbelief in healthcare and education that left us all traumatised, and made me question whether I could continue to work in a system that treated us so badly. Instead I designed my own way of working based on our experiences. It shaped how I rebuild trust in health professionals, and provide holistic support for my own patients.

Dealing with those unpredictable symptoms, sensory needs and disbelief within healthcare settings taught me that the best dietetic support reduces overwhelm, protects trust, and is tailored to how individuals neurodivergent brains and bodies operate in real life.

Patient feedback:

“Thankyou for being that unicorn. Someone who knows this stuff, what a lot of it is like and also believes the patient. That means the world”

Personalised dietetic care for complex minds and bodies

I can help you with

✔️ Neurodivergent Eating Differences

✔️ Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Histamine Intolerance

✔️ Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS)

✔️ Ehlers Danlos Syndromes (EDS)

✔️ Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E/CFS)

✔️ Eating Disorders

✔️ Pre diabetes/Type 2 Diabetes/Reactive hypoglycaemia

Patient feedback:

“Wonderful. Alison clearly knows her stuff, and I really appreciated the personal approach she took to our session. Alison’s advice made a big difference in my life, even after just one session.”

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Free e book download

Learn how to reduce fatigue with manageable dietary changes

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For Professionals

Dietary management of Mast cell Activation Syndrome – A self paced course

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A set of three images showing professional memberships. The British Dietetic Association, The British Dietetic Association Freelance group and The Health and Care Professions Council.
Signs that your nutrition plan is too complex for your capacity; Most nutrition plans are not designed for neurodivergent adults making them impossible to follow. Yet when they fail you, they create shame instead of support. January is loud. You don’t have to feel overwhelmed by medical diets again; As this is a time of reflection on the year just passed, I thought I would join in and share a little about my own journey through 2025. If I'm honest, 2025 has been a really tough year for me and my family. If Christmas feels complicated, you are not doing anything wrong. Christmas can be a lovely day for some, but for many it brings pressure around food, changes to routine and a level of noise or social expectation that feels draining. I’m now closed for Christmas and taking some time to rest. Pacing isn’t just for energy. It can work with food too. Some days, even deciding what to eat feels like too much. That’s where the 𝟓 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝 can help.

Testimonials

  • ”I just wanted to thank you for listening. It’s been a great relief to just have an actual conversation around diet and stuff without the dismissiveness or labelling others have done in the past. It was like talking with a great (and very knowledgeable) friend because you made it so easy. So huge thank you”.

    LD

  • Alison was easy to talk to and listened to what I had to say. From the initial email exchange to the consultation I felt heard and understood. The advice was clear but not regimented and I was left with steps to follow. Highly recommend Alison.

    KB

  • In the few months I had Alison’s help I got my HbA1c from 52 to 46 and my mindset regarding food, hunger signals improved dramatically.

    NR