OK folks, as Laura Collins says:  “A new era of science-based, family inclusive and truly optimistic eating disorder treatment begins now.”

And it begins with the F.E.A.S.T. conference, the very first, in Alexandria, Virginia on November 3rd and 4th.

The keynote speaker is to be Dr Thomas Insel of the NIMH, perhaps the most prominent person to advocate the concept of anorexia nervosa as a brain disorder and to write an open letter to this effect.

This will not be another of the intimidating, clubby meetings where a parent or general provider will feel that they have nothing to add.  The whole idea behind this conference is to make real the central importance of families in healing an eating disorder and to welcome all comers to brainstorm and advocate.

Don’t know what F.E.A.S.T. is, you say?  F.E.A.S.T. is a grass-roots  organization for families whose members are struggling with an eating disorder.  This includes an online forum  which serves as an important resource for families of children with eating disorders and is a place to find treatment recommendation discussions, hear from other parents about their own management issues, victories and challenges.  Comments are as anonymous as you care to make them and the forum is principally for parents and other family members, not providers.

I will be the least important person speaking there—but don’t take my word for it, judge for yourself, click on this, and I’ll see you there!