NEDA TOOLKIT for Educators
Tips for school psychologists
According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), school psychologists should:
• Model healthy attitudes (balanced and flexible
eating and exercise for health rather than
appearance) • Know how to approach individuals at risk for or
in the early stages of an eating disorder
• Refer at-risk students for screening and
evaluation to clinicians in the community
• Have a plan for communicating about medical
and psychological concerns about a student to
parents/guardians • Be knowledgeable about appropriate
community treatment resources and help for
families without adequate health insurance or
other resources
• Learn about the current best practices for
eating disorder s to support the student and
family during the recovery process
• Be aware of the medical complications
associated with eating disorders
• Provide support to students in recovery
returning to the school setting. Act as a:
School contact for treatment team
Student advocate (e.g., help student
negotiate scheduling conflicts between
school and doctor appointments;
educate teachers about side effects of
student’s medication)
Supportive in-school counselor
(e.g., relaxation techniques, supportive
and reflective listening, safe place
to eat meals and snacks, short-term
solutions focused or problem solving
techniques for in-school issues)
Consultant to faculty, administrators,
and staff
• For students in recovery, work with treatment
team and school to ensure the reintegration
plan takes the student’s medical, psychological,
and academic needs into account. Upon re-
entry, student may need:
Supportive counseling
Medical monitoring
Release from physical education
classes Meal monitoring
Communication with treatment team
and family
• Help the school devise a reduced workload for
student, alternative assignments for physical
education requirements, extended time on
assignments/tests, peer tutoring, copies of
class notes from missed days, and access to a
quiet study location, as needed
• Work with administrators to create a healthy
school environment (e.g., zero-tolerance
of appearance-based teasing and bullying,
elimination or reduction of school-required
calorie counting, weighing, and BMI
measurements) • Promote alternative assignments for class
activities that may be triggers for an eating
disorder student (weighing-in, co-education
swim class, calorie counting in nutrition class)
(Guidelines adapted from “The Prevention and
Treatment of Eating Disorders: An Overview for
School Psychologists,” www.nasponline.org)
Please note that your professional rights and
responsibilities may vary by state and school system;
please consult your school administration as well as
any relevant local and professional organizations for
information on regional guidelines.
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