Eating related resources for autistic people
Typical autistic eating differences
Autism Space information about typical autistic eating related challenges and habits
National Autistic Society – Top tips – supporting an autistic child with eating
Fussy eating in children – a series of webinars by NHS specialist paediatric dietitians to help guide parents when feeding children who exhibit fussy or restricted eating habits. These webinars have been submitted for BDA endorsement.
Advice for parents and carers for when their child refuses food
Book
How to Support Your Autistic Child with Food, Eating and Mealtimes: A Practical Guide for Parents, Carers and Other Supporting Adults – by Pooky Knightsmith
Disordered eating and eating disorders in relation to autism
Autism Space information in relation to disordered eating and eating disorders
The Peace Pathway is an organisation supporting autistic people with eating disorders. All the information they provide has been developed and learned through clinical experience. Their research suggests that around 35% of people experiencing an eating disorder may be autistic or present with high levels of autistic traits. They have developed the pathway to help support autistic people suffering with an eating disorder, their loved ones and their clinicians.
National Autistic Society – Information about autism and eating disorders
Autism Oxford – An autistic adult with disordered eating shares their lived experience – video
The Eating Disorders and Autism Collaborative is a UK-wide network of autism and eating disorders researchers. They aim to improve understanding of eating disorders in autistic people – and to help develop better treatments for them. They work collaboratively with autistic people with lived experience of eating disorders and have produced best practice guidelines for conducting research in this field. Check their website for details of their projects, including opportunities to get involved.
Local support for eating disorders
Here in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland there are several NHS services and healthcare pathways for people with eating disorders.
Your doctor will know if any of these are appropriate and can make any necessary referrals.
Click the following links for information about the Leicestershire and Rutland Adult Eating Disorders Service:
For adults
Information about the Adult Eating Disorders Service – Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Leicestershire Adult Eating Disorder Service – home page
For children and young people
Nationally available support and resources for eating disorders
ARFID
Health for Teens information about ARFID
ARFID awareness UK charity home page – Raising awareness about ARFID, supporting individuals, families, carers and medical professionals, providing information, news, downloadable resources and online (Facebook) communities.
WHAT IS ARFID? – ARFID awareness’s explanation
ARFID – Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder – information from BEAT, UK eating disorders charity
The Connection Between ARFID and Autism – information from US organisation FEAST
Autism Oxford – ARFID and autism – a video
Book
The Autistic Teen’s Avoidant Eating Workbook – by Shea and Stringer
This book is for neurodivergent teenagers looking to change their relationship with food – perhaps to expand their repertoire of ‘safe foods’, to get better at recognising and responding to hunger, or to reduce food related anxieties. This guide will help with this and many more aspects of eating related challenges. It includes top tips, a progress tracker and worksheets – and aims to support young autistic people to put themselves in charge of improving their food related habits, health and wellbeing.
Pica
Information about pica from BEAT eating disorders charity
Information about pica from the National Autistic Society
Other eating disorders
BEAT – Home page – This UK eating disorder charity providing a range ot support, information and advice. They have a phone helpline plus support via email, webchat and social media accounts. Calls to their helpline are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and do not appear on itemised bills.
BEAT – Tips campaign – signs of a possible eating disorder
BEAT – Going to the doctor – how to prepare for a doctor’s appointment about a possible eating disorder – and what you should expect
Book
Eating Disorders – the Basics. By Mc Naught, Treasure and Griffiths.
This book is useful for people with eating disorders, their families, friends and also for health care professionals and students. It contains information about: risk factors that can cause and sustain eating disorders; assessment, diagnosis, treatment and support for people with eating disorders. It covers a range of relevant topics and contains real-life accounts – including from an autistic person.
General health related resources for autistic people
Pressure ulcers
Pressure ulcers can be of greater risk to people with a learning disability (which often co-occurs with being autistic) as they can have reduced movement, physical activity and sometimes lack the skills to understand and express that they may be feeling pain. LPT has created a leaflet about pressure ulcers to help individuals, family and carers look out for warning signs and what can help.