Supporting Autistic People with Eating Disorders

Although the association between autism and eating disorders was first recognised some decades ago it has taken a long time for this knowledge to have an impact on clinical practice. In this book people with autism, family members and clinical and care staff describe their experiences of a specialist service for individuals with a dual diagnosis of autism and eating disorder. It is clear from these personal accounts how recognition of autism in patients with eating disorders and appropriate adaptations to standard intervention practices, can significantly increase treatment effectiveness. The benefits for people with autism, and those living with or caring for them are also significant, not only in terms of the eating problems but also with regard to feelings of self-confidence and self-worth, and overall quality of life. – Professor Patricia Howlin, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology, King’s College LondonFor too long, many clinicians diagnosed a person’s anorexia but overlooked that the person may also be autistic. Such under-diagnosis means the person is left without the right support. This valuable book, edited by a pioneering expert in the intersection of these two clinical conditions, is full of accessible case studies and practical tools, which will empower both clinicians and their patients. – Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Director, Autism Research Centre, Cambridge UniversityAutistic people need tailored care for eating disorders; this excellent volume by Kate Tchanturia and colleagues shows how and why such an approach can change lives. With detailed practical examples and guidance, this is a must-read for anyone working with autistic people struggling with eating disorders. In fact, given the under-recognition of autism amongst women, I would urge everyone working in eating disorders to read it. – Professor Francesca Happé FBA FMedSci, Past President of the International Society for Autism Research

Professor Kate Tchanturia is the lead clinical psychologist for the National Eating Disorder Service at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and Professor in the psychology of eating disorders at King’s College London. She has lectured internationally and trained clinicians and researchers in the UK, US, Europe, South America, New Zealand and Australia in the neuropsychology of eating disorders.