Clinicians' experiences of eating disorder focused family therapy with Autistic young people

Objective

Eating disorder focused family therapy (FT-ED) is the leading outpatient intervention for adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa. Autistic people report poorer eating disorder treatment experiences and may be at increased risk of inpatient admissions. There is a need to consider adaptions to eating disorder treatment for this population. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of clinicians in the delivery of FT-ED for Autistic young people with Anorexia Nervosa and any adaptations currently being implemented. 

Method

FT-ED trained clinicians who had experience of delivering this modality with young Autistic people and their families, were invited to take part in interviews. Transcripts were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

Results

Eleven clinicians completed interviews and analysis generated four themes and eight subthemes: (1) Systemic context, (2) Raising potential autism, (3) Autism eating disorders crossover, (4) Manual versus adaptations. 

Conclusions

This paper is the first exploration of clinician's experience delivering FT-ED to Autistic young people and their families and highlighted unique considerations with this population. It is an initial step to consider adaptations to the FT-ED model, with the aim of making eating disorder treatments more effective, accessible and acceptable for Autistic young people and their families.