A signposting resource focused on Being Autistic and Eating.
This is a living resource page and will be updated over time.
It is not intended to replace any medical advice you or those you support may need.
This list of resources has been collated by Luis Robertson and Helen Edgar (Autistic Realms).
Our goal is to share neuro-affirming information and resources that explore the intersection of autism, food, and eating experiences. As this is an evolving area of research and understanding, with ongoing shifts toward more affirming language and practices, we encourage you to use your own judgment in considering what may be helpful for you or your loved one, and to seek professional guidance when needed.
This resource will gather lived experience, academic research, and practical signposting from professionals and lived experience advocates within our community.
General Signposting
NEDC: Eating Disorders and Neurodivergence
https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/types/neurodivergence
Whole Body Nutrition
https://www.wholebodynutrition.com.au/blog/category/ARFID
BBC Bitesize
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zjdwnk7#z3r4xg8
Eat Breathe Thrive
https://www.eatbreathethrive.org/yoga-for-eating-disorder-recovery
Finding Peace in Eating Disorder Recovery Through Autism Diagnosis with Fi Hollings
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finding-peace-in-eating-disorder-recovery-through-autism/id1556008068?i=1000699467469
Embrace Autism: Autism and Eating Disorders
https://embrace-autism.com/autism-and-eating-disorders
Eating disorders in the Autistic community: Alison & Ginny educate Aucademy
https://www.youtube.com/live/9cLq-Q1A-Ik?si=JIJwEGxKC2Z6B_kk
Neurodiversity Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating
www.neddetraining.co.uk
The Unexpected Dietician
https://theunexpecteddietitian.co.uk/
Liv Label: Alexithymia a scientific link between Autism, Anorexia, and Anxiety
https://youtu.be/CBuFjR0Yl_U?si=FNzoR0_r4NGnTA9P
PANS PANDAS Neurodivergence
https://panspandasuk.org/neurodivergence/
ARFID Signposting
Kelly Mahler:
https://www.kelly-mahler.com/resources/blog/arfid-is-not-picky-eating-what-people-with-arfid-want-you-to-know/
Laura Hellfeld Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting:
https://laurahellfeld.co.uk/understanding-food-choices-beyond-picky-eating-medical-conditions-and-their-impact-on-eating-habits/
Reframing Autism :
https://reframingautism.org.au/understanding-avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disorder-arfid/
Pooky Knightsbridge
ARFID: Strategies for Supporting
https://youtu.be/nEpbS8cTGpo?si=ju0k8HeazOS9cfp6
Lena Aline
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTQsd-SjBadG66TPTbmfSQ/videos
Autism, ARFID, Interoception (Personal Thoughts & Experiences)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_0_UzeTAZbkN1OECRrPX2ba6a0MQ1rMr
RDS: Applying the Neurodiversity Paradigm to ARFID
https://www.rdsforneurodiversity.com/blog/applying-the-neurodiversity-paradigm-to-arfid
Books
Burnett, Z. (2021). Inside my Ed. Chronos Publishing
Lisette, C. (2022). The Eating Disorder Recovery Journal. Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Nwuba, C. (2024). Eating disorders don’t discriminate: Stories of Illness, Hope and Recovery from Diverse Voices. Jessica Kingsley Publishers
MacDonald, P. (2021). How to Help Someone with an Eating Disorder: A Practical Handbook. Trigger Publishing
Communication Resources
Stickman Communications provides accessible tools, such as keyring cards, designed to support individuals with eating disorders, including ARFID. These resources aim to facilitate communication and understanding in daily interactions, promoting autonomy and reducing stigma.
Stickman
https://www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/eating-disorders
Research
Downs, J., Adams, M. Re-imagining connection: the role of late autism diagnosis in eating disorder recovery and social support. J Eat Disord 13, 120 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-025-01271-5
Nicole Schott, Debra Langan, (2024) View of moving beyond “Recovery”: exposing and disrupting the eating Dis/Order industrial complex. International Mad Studies Journal Vol 2, Issue 1, 2024 https://imsj.journals.publicknowledgeproject.org/index.php/imsj/article/view/8470/6863
Makin, L., Zesch, E., Meyer, A., Mondelli, V., & Tchanturia, K. (2025). Autism, ADHD, and their traits in adults with bulimia nervosa and binge eating Disorder: a scoping review. European Eating Disorders Review, 33(4), 647–665. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.3177
Thomas, K.S., Keating, J., Ross, A.A. et al. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) symptoms in gender diverse adults and their relation to autistic traits, ADHD traits, and sensory sensitivities. J Eat Disord 13, 33 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-025-01215-z
Plain Speaking Summary: Ellen Maloney interviews Michelle Sader on the co-occurrence of autism and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): a prevalence-based meta-analysis
https://edacresearch.co.uk/research-gallery/14/plain-speaking-summary-ellen-maloney-interviews-michelle-sader-on-the-co-occurrence-of-autism-and-avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disorder-arfid-a-prevalence-based-meta-analysis
Lewis R, Davies-Kabir M. The Hidden Majority? Exploring the Neurodiversity in CAMHS Eating Disorder Caseloads. BJPsych Open. 2025;11(S1):S185-S185. doi:10.1192/bjo.2025.10479
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bjpsych-open/article/hidden-majority-exploring-the-neurodiversity-in-camhs-eating-disorder-caseloads/02B8729F9982BD74611AA402E537DF76?s=33
Alford, C., Wallis, A., Hay, P. et al. Understanding the child and adolescent eating disorder treatment experiences of autistic people and parents. J Eat Disord 13, 128 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-025-01331-w
Carpita, B., Nardi, B., Pini, S. et al. Social camouflaging of autistic traits is associated with more severe symptoms among subjects with feeding and eating disorders. Eat Weight Disord 30, 81 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-025-01785-6
Professional Support
Beat Eating Disorders
Thriving Autistic Neurodivergent Practitioners Directory
Soon to come more specific info on….
Being Autistic and Anorexia
Being Autistic and Bulimia
Being Autistic and ARFID