A scoping review of the relationship between autistic traits and eating disorders: exploring the secondary impact of eating disorders and co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses - Report - MDSpire

A scoping review of the relationship between autistic traits and eating disorders: exploring the secondary impact of eating disorders and co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses

  • By

  • Jess Kerr-Gaffney

  • Emy Nimbley

  • Amelia Austin

  • Karri Gillespie-Smith

  • Helen Sharpe

  • Fiona Duffy

  • May 11, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Connection Between Autistic Traits and Eating Disorders

Overview

Revise to include the focus on acute illness effects and co-occurring mental health difficulties.

Background

Eating disorders are severe psychiatric conditions that significantly impact physical and mental health, with anorexia nervosa having the highest mortality rate among them. Recent studies indicate a higher prevalence of autism and autistic traits in individuals with EDs, raising questions about the nature of this overlap. Understanding this connection is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies and support systems for affected individuals.

Data Highlights

Remove the statement about no numerical data; summarize key findings quantitatively if possible.

Key Findings

Rephrase findings for clarity and ensure they are directly supported by the source material.

Clinical Implications

Expand on specific autism-specific approaches to be integrated into ED services.

Conclusion

The review underscores the complexity of the relationship between autistic traits and eating disorders, indicating that further investigation is necessary to inform clinical practice and support for affected individuals.

Related Resources & Content

  1. BMC Psychiatry, Springer, 2025 -- Experiences with family relationships following eating disorders: a roller coaster of emotions
  2. BMC Psychiatry, Springer, 2025 -- The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of autistic and non-autistic adults in Eastern Germany
  3. Journal of Gastroenterology -- Nutritional Approaches and Gastrointestinal Wellness in Autism Spectrum Disorder
  4. BMC Psychiatry, Springer, 2025 -- Navigating an instagram community for eating disorder recovery: a qualitative study of users’ motivation and confidence to change
  5. APA OFFICIAL ACTIONS -- American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Eating Disorders
  6. Frontiers -- A scoping review of the relationship between Autistic traits and eating disorders: Exploring the secondary impact of eating disorders and co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses
  7. PubMed -- Absolute and relative outcomes of cognitive behavior therapy for eating disorders in adults: a meta-analysis
  8. APA OFFICIAL ACTIONS
  9. Frontiers | A scoping review of the relationship between Autistic traits and eating disorders: Exploring the secondary impact of eating disorders and co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses
  10. Absolute and relative outcomes of cognitive behavior therapy for eating disorders in adults: a meta-analysis - PubMed

Original Source(s)

A scoping review of the relationship between autistic traits and eating disorders: exploring the secondary impact of eating disorders and co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses

  • by Jess Kerr-Gaffney, Emy Nimbley, Amelia Austin, Karri Gillespie-Smith, Helen Sharpe, Fiona Duffy

  • May 11, 2026

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