A scoping review of the relationship between autistic traits and eating disorders: exploring the secondary impact of eating disorders and co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses
Date published: 11/05/26
Authors: Jess Kerr-Gaffney, Emy Nimbley, Ellen Maloney, Amelia Austin, Karri Gillespie-Smith, Helen Sharpe & Fiona Duffy
Published in: Frontiers in Psychiatry
Objective
Research has highlighted co-occurrence and phenotypic overlap between
autism and eating disorders (EDs), however the origin of this overlap is
uncertain. The aim of this scoping review was to assess existing
evidence on the role of acute illness effects and co-occurring mental
health difficulties in the relationship between autism and EDs.
Method
The review was conducted following the PRISMA extension for scoping
reviews. Electronic databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase and Web of
Science) and grey literature (ProQuest Dissertation and Theses) were
searched up until 11th January 2026 for quantitative, qualitative, and
mixed-methods empirical studies using autism and ED search terms.
Results
Longitudinal and qualitative evidence reporting Autistic traits inchildhood, a lack of association between BMI and Autistic traits, and a
link between autism and EDs not typically associated with low body
weight suggests that the association between autism and EDs is not
solely due to acute illness effects. High rates of additional mental
health problems in those with EDs were not found to fully account for
co-occurring autism or Autistic traits.
Conclusions
Areas for further research include ED populations other than anorexia
nervosa (AN), and EDs in Autistic individuals rather than trait-based
research. The review highlights the need for early identification of
autism and support for Autistic young people, as well as improved
training and autism-specific support in ED and other mental health
services.
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