Links between eating disorders and autism have been constantly highlighted. The relation between eating disorders and autism in children is complex. So far, no clear-cut data proves that autism leads to eating disorders in children but scientific research indicates a frequent prevalence of the two conditions in individuals.
Whether or not Autism spectrum disorder is a direct contributory risk factor for developing eating disorders in children is a question that remains unanswered, but it is widely observed that people with social disorders such as autism are more likely to develop an eating disorder.
In our today’s article, we will share our insights on the association between autism and food disorders after thorough research and share valuable tips on how parents and teachers can cope with these problems.
Different eating challenges faced by children with autism
Parents/guardians and teachers of children with ASD may describe prolonged social problems before the onset of eating disorders in children. The problems may vary from detachment to activities usually enjoyed by peers (who do not have autism), or problems with friendships to the emotional detachment from regular routines and activities.
Others may experience anorexia and the effects of starvation on the emotional and cognitive aspects of a child. At times, having food disorders can seriously impair the diagnosis of ASD in children as the symptoms such as repetitive and restricted behavior may overlap each other.
Children may face many difficulties in eating, such as:
- Food cravings
- Food refusals
- Rapid eating problems like binge eating disorder
- Different sensory problems ultimately contributing to eating difficulties
- Cravings for specific food types such as refined carbohydrates. It is also associated with AVOIDANT/RESTRICTIVE FOOD INTAKE DISORDER (ARFID)
- Diet behavior with significant health risks, such as rumination, pica, and disruptive mealtime behaviors
Generally speaking, the threshold of the symptoms depends upon the severity of the disorder. But the limited or very low intake of food results in malnutrition, low energy, weight loss, and retarded growth.
The link between autism and eating disorders
Depending on the stages and severity of ASD, the affected children might find different sensory experiences such as taste, smell, noises, textures, and body sensations uncomfortable, and perceive them as harmful.
A recent research survey shows that children with autism are more likely to develop eating disorders than children who do not have autism.
The given conditions lead a child with ASD to avoid consuming food or limit its intake, a behavior that is very harmful to health. The resulting eating disorders mostly include ARFID; avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder and Anorexia nervosa.
Difference between ARFID and Anorexia nervosa
Children with ARFID may lose weight to a degree comparable with that of Anorexia nervosa. The key difference in differentiating between the two eating disorders is that in anorexia nervosa, a drive for thinness or loss of fat is present while it is absent in an individual suffering from ARFID.
Weight loss is common in both disorders because of which these disorders are often misunderstood for each other.
Treatment of ARFID and anorexia nervosa in children with autism
ARFID and anorexia nervosa are both treated with exposure therapy to regain normal nutritional status.
ARFID: the core component of exposure therapy for ARFID is exposing the individual to different textures, smells, tastes, and sensations (like the feeling of having a full and empty stomach at different times.)
Anorexia nervosa: the main strategy of therapy for anorexia nervosa is gradual exposure to various food groups, weight gain, and energy build-up awareness.
An important aspect of therapy for these two eating disorders is to monitor the severity of the symptoms and the effectiveness of the therapy. Two important factors that help to assess the efficiency of the exposure therapy are:
- Acceptance of own body weight and shape by the autistic individual
- Addressing perfectionism
Treatment of eating disorder in children with autism below 12 years of age
Children below 12 years are mentally concrete thinkers. They tend to lack words to express their psychological drive for thinness. Rather they may complain of stomachaches and headaches which is easier than describing complex stress-causing psychological dilemmas.
According to experts, the most effective treatment for AFRID and anorexia nervosa in children below 12 years, and even in early teens is for parents to set up a well-coordinated network with professionals who are experienced in dealing eating disorders and developmental conditions.
As children with such disorders grow old, they can benefit from learning and adapting according to their temperament and cognitive features. This way, they will be able to live their lives free from eating disorders, malnourishments, and psychological stress.
Conclusion
Autism isn’t necessarily linked with eating disorders and there is no such data that supports this hypothesis. But the prevalence of eating disorders is greater in children with autism and other social disorders. In spite of no scientific evidence that links autism with eating disorders, a high association of these both disorders demands professional attention. Different techniques help to cope with such issues but most of them revolve around exposure and awareness therapies. A good link between caregivers and professional experts proves very helpful in this regard.
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Educarebrusa is a blog dedicated to children with autism. We prove helpful and effective guidance regarding different aspects of dealing with autism. We also own an online store where teachers and parents can get their hands on different activities related to academics and schooling.