Beyond Bites: How Context Shapes Eating for Young People
at the Autism and ADHD Show, Liverpool
This July, I’ll be speaking at the The Autism and ADHD Show Liverpool 2026 about something I think we often overlook for ourselves and when supporting young people with eating:
Context.
We often focus on what a young person is eating, but not always where, when, with who, or under what conditions eating feels possible.
Many parents, carers, and professionals will recognise experiences like:
A young person eating a food in one setting but unable to eat it elsewhere
Foods only being accepted at certain times or within certain routines
A child happily eating with one person but not another
Eating patterns changing completely when expectations or environments shift
These experiences can feel confusing from the outside, especially when the food itself hasn’t changed.
In this talk, I’ll be exploring how eating is shaped by far more than taste alone. We’ll look at the role of routine, predictability, sensory experiences, emotional safety, relationships, and environmental cues in shaping eating experiences for all of us.
The session will also unpack why some well-meaning approaches can unintentionally increase stress around food, and why understanding the wider context around eating can help us offer more supportive, compassionate approaches.
This talk is designed for parents, carers, educators, therapists, and professionals supporting young people around eating and mealtimes.
I’m really looking forward to sharing this session and having conversations around a topic that so many families experience, but that often isn’t talked about in enough depth.
If you’re attending the show in Liverpool this July, I’d love to see you there.
Thank you for being here,
Laura Hellfeld
RN, MSN, PHN, CNL
Sign up to my Newsletter Here
Connect with me on social media
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and BlueSky
Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for personalised support and care tailored to your specific needs.