top of page
Search

Comorbidity of Eating Disorders with Autism

Writer: risebeyondanorexia
risebeyondanorexia
Sep 11
3 min read

By Tiya Modeshia


A higher prevalence of eating disorders has been documented within patients on the spectrum compared to that of the average neurodivergent population. A review conducted by Medical Xpress found ’22.9 percent of autistic people have an eating disorder compared to only 2 percent in neurotypical population.’ (Lepre and Ball, 2026) This highlights the need to explore the relationship between neurodiversity, specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and the development of eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa. This is the aim I  hope to achieve through this short article. To start there currently exists no exact scientific theory to explain this idea however if you break down each disorder you can find common overlapping characteristics that may be responsible for the coexistence. 

Common to ASD, Autistic individuals experience food sensitivities, a need for control and difficulty with emotional regulation. (NHS Trust, 2025) Though exists many other factors, those previously mentioned play a big role in the development of restrictive eating behaviours. If we look through them individually, we find a common outcome. Beginning with food sensitivities, this already creates a relationship strain with food. Given that stricter behaviours around food consumption can easily progressing into disordered eating behaviours. This is a direct result of Autistic individuals having a heightened sensory processing, where differences in tastes and textures are experienced at a more intense level. (NeuroLaunch editorial team, 2024) 

Therefore, they are more likely to avoid certain food groups to remain regulated. This causes issues when nutrition from these limited food groups becomes insufficient. Usually, a lack of vegetables and an abundance of carbs due to their safe, beige taste and appearance. If this sounds familiar to you don’t be disheartened roughly ‘70 percent of children with Autism experience a food-related problem.’ (NeuroLaunch editorial team, 2024) This high co-occurrence rate often goes unnoticed as they are labelled ‘picky eaters’ or dismissed as misbehaviour. This is furthest from the truth and signifies a need for more research to create an early intervention programme in supporting parents with children on the spectrum that experience food-related difficulties.

Subsequently, another developing factor can be seen as the rigid need for control. As previously mentioned, feeling heightened senses, this can cause an all-round overwhelming experience of life. This out of control, disorderly feeling often leaves those individuals with a sense of discomfort. Consequently, it is not unheard of for them to turn to food to create that feeling of being in control. Through restriction they have the power that may be lacking in their daily lives. This specifically provides insight into this occurrence when you consider the relationship between anxiety with controlled eating. Where the relief from restrictive eating can stimulate a release of anxiety through serotonin. (National Autistic Society, 2018)

Ultimately, emotional dysregulation can be known to stimulate atypical eating behaviours as behaviour inflexibility can create an unsafe internal environment. This conveys the idea of specific foods considered ‘safe foods’ for complex emotional situations. For instance, when the individual is upset or in a meltdown and can only eat their designated safe food, with no alternate being suggestible. 

With all this considered I can conclude that Autistic adverse relationships with food goes beyond body issues and weight loss motives and emerges more to be of their own nature along the disability. Seemingly a manifestation of a coping mechanism in relation to the differing function of an ASD brain. With this knowledge diagnostic criteria and treatment plans should be directed to addressing the cooccurrence relationship to improve the long-term outcome.



An autistic meltdown is an intense, involuntary response to overwhelming sensory, emotional, or cognitive stress, distinct from a tantrum. (Dr. Tony Attwood)


Bibliography

National Autistic Society. “Autism and Controlled Eating.” Autism, 2018, https://www.autism.org.uk/learn/knowledge-hub/professional-practice/controlled-eating. Accessed 4 Sept. 2026.

NeuroLaunch editorial team. “Autism and Food Sensitivity: Exploring the Link and Practical Solutions.” NeuroLaunch.Com, 11 Aug. 2024, https://neurolaunch.com/autism-food-sensitivity/. Accessed 4 Sept. 2026.

NHS Trust. “Autism and Eating Disorders | Autism Space | Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.” Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, 8 Jan. 2025, https://www.leicspart.nhs.uk/autism-space/health/autism-and-eating-disorders/. Accessed 1 Sept. 2026.

bottom of page