Eating Disorders in Children with Autism

What is considered an eating disorder?

An eating disorder is a mental health disorder which involves a significant and on-going disruption in eating behaviors. There is more to it than just being a picky eater, though on the surface, it may look the same. Eating disorders often include a preoccupation with food, eating habits, and body image.

Why are children with autism more likely to experience an eating disorder?

Up to 70% of children with autism have issues with eating behaviors, making this population much more likely to contend with an eating disorder than a neurotypical child.

Atypical eating behaviors may include sensory problems, food avoidance, or even food refusal. Other reasons a child with autism may be predisposed towards an eating disorder include:

●    Anxiety and depression - autism often carries with it a heightened risk of anxiety and depression; these may lead to issues with food as a coping mechanism

●    Obsessive interests - a person with an eating disorder may become hyper-focused on controlling caloric intake; as individuals with autism tend to exhibit hyper-focus or obsessive interests, this is one example of an overlapping symptom of both disorders 

●    Rigidity of thinking - children with autism may fall into a pattern of unhealthy eating (or not eating) and have a harder time breaking this pattern due to the cognitive inflexibility that is common in individuals with autism

How are eating disorders treated in children with autism?

The best plan for treating eating disorders involves a team of both mental health and medical professionals in order to treat both conditions, especially because eating disorders may become so severe as to land a person in the hospital. Attempts are often made to manage these disorders through educational programs to help one understand the disorder and how to live with it. Mental health treatment also often includes therapy in either the individual or group setting. Family therapy also helps so that families can begin to understand how best to support a family member with an eating disorder. The specific symptoms, strengths, and weaknesses of a child with autism should be taken into consideration to determine the best course of treatment for every individual.

To find out more about ABA Therapy contact Positive Reinforcement today. Servicing North Virginia, West Virginia. Now providing ABA Therapy in Richmond Virginia.