Autism & Eating Disorders

Feeding and eating difficulties are common among autistic individuals. Although this may not always be classed as an eating disorder, research suggests that eating disorders may also be high with between 4-23% of people with an eating disorder being on the autism spectrum.

The national eating Disorder Service at the Maudsley Hospital found that 35% of the women that they see, meet the criteria for Autism Spectrum Condition, and often displayed the most challenging and long-standing eating disorders (Maudsley Hospital, online).

This workshop will look at the reasons why some people with autism may develop an eating disorder such as; sensory, a need for control, obsessions developing around weight and counting calories or managing difficult emotions, and also equip the learner with the understanding of how best support someone with such a co-morbid diagnosis.