Rainbow Girl

At just 15 years of age, Livia was tossed out of the Dutch eating disorder treatment system with the message "You're just going to have to accept the fact that you're never going to get better." Growing up unknowingly autistic, Livia spent the majority of her young life seeking worth and validation in external achievements. She excelled in her honors classes, competitive sports, and eventually, an eating disorder. It wasn't until she realized the control she so desperately sought would be the death of her, that Livia made the hardest decision anyone with an eating disorder can make: to trust and surrender to the recovery process. In this gripping and vulnerable memoir, Livia illustrates how invalidated autism can manifest as an eating disorder and how discovering her true self was the key to unlocking an abundant and colorful life.

At just 15 years of age, Livia was tossed out of the Dutch eating disorder treatment system with the message "You're just going to have to accept the fact that you're never going to get better." Growing up unknowingly autistic, Livia spent the majority of her young life seeking worth and validation in external achievements. She excelled in her honors classes, competitive sports, and eventually, an eating disorder. It wasn't until she realized the control she so desperately sought would be the death of her, that Livia made the hardest decision anyone with an eating disorder can make: to trust and surrender to the recovery process. In this gripping and vulnerable memoir, Livia illustrates how invalidated autism can manifest as an eating disorder and how discovering her true self was the key to unlocking an abundant and colorful life.