Autism, Food, and Eating Disorders

Autism, Food, and Eating Disorders
  by Rachel Kelly

Food.  Not an easy subject when it comes to Autism.

When we account for all the Sensory Issues, our Need for Routine, and Social Challenges, it makes for a complex set of difficulties surrounding eating.

 

Some startling statistics are:

Up to 35% of Autistic Adults have Anorexia.

Up to 70% of Autistic kids have Avoidant Restrictive Food Disorder.

 

Why?

 

We have a variety of general factors regarding Autism when it comes to this subject.

  • Sensory processing issues:  Autistics are highly sensitive when it comes to the senses.  All those extra synapse connections make certain textures, smells, and everything else unbearable.

  • Interoception confusion:  Simply not having a sense of hunger can cause one to forget to eat.

  • Gastrointestinal issues: Autistics often have trouble in this department due to anxiety.

  • Social aspects:  Eating is often done with others in this world.  When a person experiencing Social Anxiety, Burnout, or Non-verbal Episodes, this can be completely out of the question.  Not to mention Misphonia coming into play. 

Then we have the dreaded RESTAURANT.  A sensory nightmare for Autistics.  Quite often, I literally cannot read a menu in a restaurant.  I see the words, but they do not make it to my brain.  I have to determine beforehand what I will eat.


What about Anorexia?

Studies have shown that with Adults, between 20-35% of Anorexics are Autistic.

This is typically shown to be less about body image for the Autistic, and more about masking anxiety and emotions.  Alexithymia, a trouble with knowing our emotions, exacerbates this problem.

What if it is about body image?

Of course, there are the Autistics that are truly trying to lose weight.

Where this can go awry is when the typical Autistic tendency of all-or-nothing, fixating and hyperfocusing, all comes into play.  An honest goal of becoming healthier can take a turn when this happens.

 

So, what about ARFID?

ARFID= Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Studies have shown that with Autistic Children, up to 70% of them are affected by ARFID.

  • This is a fairly new DSM Category.

  • It's more common in children and adolescents.

  • Originates from:

    • Extreme sensory sensitivities

    • Fear of bad outcome (Choking, Vomiting) -  50% of Cases have this fear

    • Lack of interest (goes back to Interoception Issues)


Of extreme importance is to note that standard treatment plans do not accommodate Autistics.

  • They focus heavily on body image.

  • Group therapy brings in all the problems with social situations

  • Medical clinics cause sensory overload and overwhelm with unfamiliarity

When it comes to treatment, it’s important to:

  • Look at what’s truly behind the behavior

  • Address any resulting nutritional deficiencies.  

This must all be done with the perspective that we are talking about an Autistic that has a completely different set of needs than a neurotypical.  

Attempting to treat an Autistic with a neurotypical program can do more harm than good.

 

RESOURCES FOR AUTISTICS WITH EATING DISORDERS:

  • Website: PEACE  peacepathway.org

  • Book: Supporting Autistic People with Eating Disorders by Kate Tchanturia

  • App: Trainwell – Supports Healthy Habits – recommended highly by another Autistic Creator

I have had my own personal experience with this, starting long before I knew that I am Autistic.  

I believe it’s imperative that we keep the Autistic person in mind when looking at Eating Disorders, and as always, we should never try to place an Autistic in a Neurotypical box.

 

Speaking of thinking inside a box.....

About me?

  • I typically eat standing up.
  • I typically eat the same foods every day.
  • I don't cook.
  • I avoid certain silverware.
  • I will move away from someone if I can hear them chewing.
  • I have to map out everything about a new restaurant before I go.
  • I HATE the smell of most food cooking.

Every single thing on this list is related to my being Autistic in one way of another.

A Neurotypical may take a look at this list and see an Eating Disorder.

A Neurodivergent knows... it's not.  It's one of the many facets of my place on the Autism Spectrum.

How's that for a paradox?

-RK

 

  by Rachel Kelly

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