The clinical characteristics of autistic women with restrictive eating disorders

Background

Autistic women are at high risk of developing restrictive eating disorders (REDs), such as anorexia nervosa.

Aims

This study provides an overview of the clinical characteristics of autistic women with REDs to (i) enhance understanding of increased risk, and (ii) support the identification of autistic women in eating disorder services.

Method

We compared self-reported autistic and disordered eating characteristics of: autistic participants with REDs (Autism + REDs; n = 57); autistic participants without REDs (Autism; n = 69); and women with REDs who are not autistic (REDs; n = 80). We also included a group of women with high autistic traits (HATs) and REDs, but no formal autism diagnosis (HATs + REDs; n = 38).

Results

Autism + REDs participants scored similarly to Autism participants in terms of autistic characteristics and to REDs participants in terms of experiencing traditional disordered eating symptoms. Autism + REDs participants were distinguished from both groups by having more restricted and repetitive behaviours and autism-specific eating behaviours related to sensory processing, flexibility and social differences. HATs + REDs participants showed a similar pattern of scores to Autism + REDs participants, and both also presented with high levels of co-occurring mental health difficulties, particularly social anxiety.

Conclusion

The presentation of autistic women with REDs is complex, including both traditional disordered eating symptoms and autism-related needs, as well as high levels of co-occurring mental health difficulties. In eating disorder services, the REDs presentation of autistic women and those with HATs should be formulated with reference to autism-specific eating behaviours and co-occurring difficulties. Treatment adaptations should be offered to accommodate autistic characteristics and related needs.