I'm Kaitlyn Ashner, RDN (Kait, they/she), The Divergent Dietitian. I build food systems around how your brain actually works, because I had to learn to do it for my own.
When you tell me you stood in front of the fridge at 7pm, knowing you needed to eat but unable to decide, I understand. As an autistic dietitian, I don't need you to explain why food feels complicated. You can drop the mask here.
🎓 Education: Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Dominican University
🏛️ VA Eating Disorder Team: Served on a VA eating disorder treatment team
💻 Nourish: Virtual care for neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ adults in 27 states
🧩 Specialized focus: Nearly 10 years in neurodivergence, eating disorders and complex conditions
Standard nutrition advice assumes your brain sends clear hunger cues and handles every texture with ease. Mine didn't, and yours might not either. So we start where you are.
Phase 1: Understand your sensory patterns. We map what makes eating hard for you, like textures, smells, energy and executive function, without judgment.
Phase 2: Fuel your body with foods you already eat. We start with your safe foods. If your list is five things, that's our starting point.
Phase 3: Create flexible systems with backup plans. We build routines that work on your high-energy days and your low-energy days.
No calorie counting. No food rules. No shame.
See how this works for ADHD → and autism →
ADHD support for forgetting to eat and low-energy days. ADHD nutritionist →
Autism support for sensory needs and safe foods. Autism dietitian →
ED & ARFID recovery that starts with your safe foods. Learn more →
POTS, EDS and MCAS support for flare days & good days. Learn more →
LGBTQIA+ trans-inclusive, gender-affirming care. Learn more →
Outside of sessions, you'll find me playing video games 🎮 or crocheting 🧶 with my wife. I love anything that involves structure, creative problem-solving and complex systems. Those are the same skills I bring into building routines that work for you.
"Kaitlyn is calm, supportive, kind, and smart. She has a wonderful demeanor that is engaging and caring. I feel incredibly lucky to have connected with her."
Nourish Client
"From an initial diagnosis of SIBO to now working with enteral nutrition through a feeding tube, she has gone above and beyond… Her patience and validation has meant the world to me."
Leah, Nourish Client
"I don't think I could ever feel as comfortable with anyone else as I do with her."
Nourish Client
Who to refer:
🧠 Autistic and ADHD adults who forget to eat or have sensory-based eating
🌱 Adults with eating disorders, ARFID or disordered eating
💓 Adults with POTS, EDS, MCAS, GI conditions or tube feeding needs
🏳️🌈 LGBTQIA+ clients looking for affirming care
How I collaborate:
🤝 Warm handoffs are always welcome
📝 I'm happy to share notes and coordinate care, with client permission
🧭 I help clients find a higher level of care when needed
👶 I work with adults only, but I can connect caregivers with a trusted pediatric colleague
I spent years white-knuckling my way through food. You don't have to. No perfect meal plans, no neurotypical expectations, just support at your pace.