Working with Autism

Autism spectrum disorder is not a mental health condition, and certainly not everyone with autism will have an eating disorder, or vice versa. However, there does appear to be an overlap in symptoms such that high rates of autistic traits are often found in people with anorexia. Due to the structured routines that are often preferable in people with autism, occupational therapy can be a really good approach to help someone with autism and anorexia make changes to their eating, and support them in developing their wider life skills.

Autism is not an ‘illness’ and cannot be ‘cured’. However there are many interventions that can be helpful for people with autism to enable learning and development.

Helpful interventions may include:

• Assessment and advice around sensory overload, e.g. aversion to loud noises, bright lights, physical touch, textures on the skin

• Support with social interactions, including social eating

• Support with finding meaningful life activities including voluntary or paid work

• Practical support to expand the range of foods eaten and to support flexibility with eating

• Structure and diary planning

• Skills for understanding and managing anxiety

• Assistance with graded exposure to foods that may be avoided due to texture (common in autism)

• Support to cope with changes to daily life or routine which can cause high levels of anxiety in those with autism