At
EDAC we are committed to making research accessible. Our Plain Speaking
Summaries include plain language text on published papers and an
interview with the authors. In this Plain Speaking Summary, Lauren Makin introduced their papers that were published in 2025 and is
interviewed by an Ellen Maloney, EDAC peer researcher. Lauren Makin is a PhD student at King's College London, researching the intersectionality between neurodivergence and binge-eating disorder.
PAPER LINK:
The full paper can be found here.
Another discussed paper focusing on bulimia nervosa can be found here.
LAY SUMMARY:
We have recently published two studies exploring how Autistic and
ADHD adults with binge- or purge-type eating disorders understand the
ways their Neurodivergence influences their eating difficulties.
Aims & Methods
Together
with existing research on the links between Autism and anorexia
nervosa, these studies help us better understand 1) how Autism and ADHD
can influence how eating disorders develop and present, and 2) how
eating disorders should be treated and understood in Autistic and ADHD
individuals.
Methods: In our two studies, we interviewed 26
adults with living or lived experience of bulimia nervosa, binge eating
disorder, or other similar eating disorders, or they self-reported binge
eating.
Understanding Neurodivergence
Many participants
told us that they found it difficult to fully understand how their
Neurodivergence might be affecting their eating disorder. Despite this,
they shared valuable insights into how aspects of their Autism or ADHD
influenced their eating behaviours.
ADHD influence on eating difficulties
Despite
this, participants described how ADHD traits such as emotional
overwhelm, boredom or under-stimulation, sensation-seeking, and
impulsivity could contribute to eating disorder behaviours, particularly
binge eating. ADHD participants also described avoiding certain food
textures or flavours, missing hunger or thirst cues when hyper-focused,
and skipping meals as a result.
Autism influence on eating difficulties
Autistic
participants, both in our studies and in previous research, described
similar experiences. These included avoiding certain textures or
flavours, difficulty noticing hunger or fullness, and a tendency to
develop strict rules and routines around food. These traits could
contribute to restrictive or under-eating. Some Autistic participants
also described difficulties identifying or communicating emotions, which
could lead to restrictive eating to numb feelings, bingeing for
comfort, or both as a form of distraction. Autistic participants also
highlighted how feeling different or struggling to fit in could
contribute to their eating disorder, especially when individuals were
unaware of their own Neurodivergence or did not yet have a diagnosis.
Treatment needs
Participants
in our studies, as well as in previous research, emphasised the
importance of having their Neurodivergence recognised and acknowledged
during eating disorder treatment. This included screening for
neurodivergence and clinicians and carers remaining attentive to
potential signs of Autism or ADHD in people with eating disorders.
Participants also wanted clinicians and carers to take a
neurodivergent-affirming approach. This meant distinguishing
Neurodivergence from the eating disorder and not trying to change or
‘fix’ a person’s Neurodivergence.
Many participants also wanted
their care adapted to their Neurodivergence, including sensory and
communication adaptions. They described how Autistic and ADHD people may
experience certain environments or foods as overwhelming or unpleasant,
highlighting the need for sensory adaptions. This included adjustments
to therapeutic environments alongside practical strategies that could be
used outside of treatment settings. Participants also wanted
communication adaptions, such as offering different communication
methods and using clear, concrete language while avoiding unnecessary
abstraction.
Consistency and routine were also important.
Participants wanted regular appointments, frequent reminders, and
support in developing sustainable, ‘good enough’ routines around meals.
Some also wanted regular breaks, shorter sessions, or extra time to
process verbal information.
Take home message
Neurodivergent
participants with eating disorder have a variety of experiences and
treatment needs, and would greatly benefit from receiving the space,
time, and resources to explore and understand their own neurotype and
how it affects them personally.
Interested to read more? Read up on the PEACE Pathway here. Take a look at their newest animation on ADHD and eating disorders here!
