Skip to content
  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • Narcissism
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
    • Best Online Couples Counseling Services
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Providers
    • Online Therapy Reviews & Guides
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • Reviews
    • Best Online Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy with Insurance
    • Best Online Therapy for Teens
    • Best Online Therapy for Anxiety
    • Best Online Therapy for Depression
    • Best Online ADHD Treatments
    • Best Online Psychiatry
    • Best Mental Health Apps
    • All Reviews
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory

Join our Newsletter

Get helpful tips and the latest information

Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on Twitter
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube
ChoosingTherapy.com Logo

Newsletter

Search Icon
  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • Narcissism
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
    • Best Online Couples Counseling Services
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Providers
    • Online Therapy Reviews & Guides
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • Reviews
    • Best Online Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy with Insurance
    • Best Online Therapy for Teens
    • Best Online Therapy for Anxiety
    • Best Online Therapy for Depression
    • Best Online ADHD Treatments
    • Best Online Psychiatry
    • Best Mental Health Apps
    • All Reviews
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory
  • What Is Autism?What Is Autism?
  • What Are Eating Disorders?What Are Eating Disorders?
  • 5 Connections5 Connections
  • Eating Disorders in AutismEating Disorders in Autism
  • Is It Picky Eating?Is It Picky Eating?
  • Possible CausesPossible Causes
  • Treatment OptionsTreatment Options
  • Tips for CopingTips for Coping
  • In My ExperienceIn My Experience
  • InfographicsInfographics
Autism Articles Autism Signs of Autism Neurodiversity Levels of Autism

Autism & Eating Disorders: Understanding the Connection

Headshot of Nicole Arzt, LMFT

Author: Nicole Arzt, LMFT

Headshot of Nicole Arzt, LMFT

Nicole Arzt LMFT

Nicole specializes in psychodynamic and humanistic therapy.  She’s  an expert in complex trauma, substance use disorder, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, narcissistic abuse, and relationships and intimacy.

See My Bio Editorial Policy
Headshot of Kristen Fuller, MD

Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD Licensed medical reviewer

Headshot of Kristen Fuller, MD

Kristen Fuller MD

Kristen Fuller, MD is a physician with experience in adult, adolescent, and OB/GYN medicine. She has a focus on mood disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorder, and reducing the stigma associated with mental health.

See My Bio Editorial Policy
Published: February 26, 2024
  • What Is Autism?What Is Autism?
  • What Are Eating Disorders?What Are Eating Disorders?
  • 5 Connections5 Connections
  • Eating Disorders in AutismEating Disorders in Autism
  • Is It Picky Eating?Is It Picky Eating?
  • Possible CausesPossible Causes
  • Treatment OptionsTreatment Options
  • Tips for CopingTips for Coping
  • In My ExperienceIn My Experience
  • InfographicsInfographics

Autism and eating disorders often overlap. Autistic people commonly exhibit atypical eating behaviors, and this pattern is especially pronounced in childhood. Research shows that anywhere from 20-35% of women with anorexia meet the criteria for autism. Similarly, there is a high comorbidity between autism and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).1

ADVERTISEMENT

Struggling with your relationship with food?

Do you find yourself constantly thinking about food or your body? It can be exhausting to have these thoughts. The good news is: you don’t have to feel this way. Take the first step towards healing by taking Equip’s free, confidential eating disorder screener. Learn more

Learn more

What Is Autism?

Autism is a neurotype in which the ways that someone thinks, processes, and relates to the world are different from neurotypical people. Behavioral symptoms often emerge when a child is around 1-2 years old. However, most children are not diagnosed until after age 3.2 Common autistic characteristics include language delays, avoidance of make-believe play, lack of social interactions, repetitive stimming behaviors, and difficulties with transitions. However, it’s important to note that symptoms and characteristics exist on a wide spectrum.

Research shows that about 1 in 44 children has autism. It’s diagnosed four times more frequently in boys than girls.3 While once perceived as a disability, there is an ongoing conversation about destigmatizing autistic behaviors and acknowledging neurodiversity. From this framework, an autistic person simply operates differently from a neurotypical person.

What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are mental health conditions characterized by issues with food, weight gain, exercise, and control. While eating disorder symptoms vary based on the type of eating disorder and its intensity, people with eating disorders generally fixate on how, when, and what they eat. They often struggle with poor body image and low self-esteem and have a marked fear of gaining weight.

Research shows that approximately 9% of the U.S population will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. And while many people assume people with eating disorders are underweight, fewer than 6% actually are. Next to opioid overdose, eating disorders are considered the most deadly mental illness, contributing to one death every 52 minutes.4

5 Connections Between Autism & Eating Disorders

Although research isn’t sure exactly why autism and eating disorders overlap, there appears to be a strong correlation between both conditions. It’s probable that they share certain risk factors and comorbidities. For instance, obsessiveness, rigidity, and themes of perfection coincide with both conditions.5

Here are five commonalities between autism and eating disorders:

1. Emotional Regulation Difficulties

Struggles with emotional regulation are a common symptom in both eating disorders and autism. Problems with emotional dysregulation can exacerbate stress, and people may turn to restricting food or emotional eating to cope.

2. Obsessive Interests

Autism and eating disorders both entail repetitive tasks like counting calories, tracking steps, or avoiding certain types of food, which can become ritualistic. In a sense, a person with either condition may use these behaviors as a way to cope with stress and maintain a sense of control.

3. Rigid Thinking

All-or-nothing thinking is a classic symptom of both autism and eating disorders. Those with either or both diagnoses perceive certain foods or situations as ‘safe’ or ‘unsafe.’ Something is ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ The body is either ‘perfect’ or a ‘failure.’ This rigid thinking is often a result of executive dysfunction.

4. Social Difficulties

Eating disorders and autism can both include relationship problems and poor connectivity to others. Autistic people often report difficulties with intimacy and forming friendships. Subsequently, people with eating disorders often struggle with fitting in or worrying about others judging them.

5. Repetitive Behaviors

Both autism and eating disorders entail ongoing, repetitive behaviors that cause significant distress when interfered with. Someone with anorexia may count calories due to poor body image and a desire to lose weight. Similarly, an autistic person may ritualistically count calories or compulsively exercise, even if weight loss isn’t the intended goal.6

Common Eating Disorders in Autism

Autism can correlate with any eating disorder, but comorbidity appears to be highest with anorexia and ARFID. For instance, although only 1% of the population is autistic, and 0.3% have anorexia, 20-35% of people with anorexia are autistic.1 Some research suggests that those with autism are five times more likely to be diagnosed with anorexia than non-autistic people.6 Furthermore, statistics on co-occurring autism and ARFID are around 33%.7 Children and young adults appear to have the highest rates of comorbidities.

It’s important to keep in mind that these studies and statistics are likely misrepresented. Most eating disorder research focuses on girls and women, and most autism research focuses on boys and men. Therefore, there may be some inconsistencies and missing data.

Autism & Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by chronic and consistent food restriction and a preoccupation with body image. People with anorexia are hyper focused on avoiding weight gain. However, the eating disorder symptoms often represent themes of control, perfectionism, and fear. Anorexia may be a coping mechanism to avoid stress or interpersonal difficulties. These symptoms often overlap with autistic symptoms of rigidity, control, and a preference for having a strict routine.

Autism & ARFID

ARFID refers to having little to no interest in eating food. People with ARFID aren’t worried about their weight or body size, but they do experience disgust and apathy towards eating. This overlaps with autism, as autistic people often experience sensory issues and difficulties with certain food textures, smells, or tastes. This is particularly pervasive among children, and it can cause ongoing food battles.

Autism & Pica

Pica is an eating disorder characterized by compulsively consuming non-food items (such as clay, dirt, paint, or glue) that have no nutritional value. Research shows that one in four parents report their young autistic child ‘sometimes’ eats non-food items.8 This pattern likely stems from limited food preferences, sensory processing difficulties, and intellectual disabilities that make it challenging to distinguish edible food from non-food items.

Autism & Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia refers to patterns of binge eating (eating large amounts of food rapidly) and purging (self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, abusing diuretics or laxatives). A person with bulimia can be rigid in their thinking (i.e., having safe and unsafe foods), although they also experience the perception of “losing control.” These patterns may also be present in autism, as autistic people often experience significant distress when a situation feels out of their control.

Autism & Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is an eating disorder characterized by routinely bingeing without taking compensatory measures. People with this condition often use food as a way to cope with stress or numb their feelings. Some research has shown that autistic people can sometimes exhibit overeating tendencies in childhood. This pattern may be due to hypersensitivity and pleasure to certain textures.9

ADVERTISEMENT

Equip: Eating Disorder Treatment That Works – Delivered At Home

Eating disorder treatment is hard – which is why you deserve a team. Equip offers evidence-based care delivered virtually by a five-person care team, so you can achieve recovery without pressing pause on your life. We take insurance! Visit Equip

Get a Consultation

Eating Disorders Vs. Picky Eating

Autism and picky eating often go hand-in-hand. But, being picky is not inherently synonymous with disordered eating. Someone who is picky may have strong preferences about what they like (and don’t like) to eat. However, their food choices aren’t directly related to body image or weight control.

A picky eater may unintentionally restrict because they feel uncomfortable eating specific foods. In serious cases, young children go through entire periods of food refusal. But the restriction isn’t about controlling intake. Picky eating is also a common symptom of sensory processing disorder (SPD), a condition associated with being very particular about certain textures, smells, or tastes.

Are the Causes of Autism and Eating Disorders Connected?

Mental illness is multifaceted, and there are no definite causations for either autism or eating disorders. Instead, a complex constellation of variables may increase someone’s chance of developing one (or both) of these conditions.

Possible causes for autism and eating disorders include:

  • Genetics: Specific gene combinations may affect brain development and impact how cells communicate, determining the severity of specific symptoms. We are likely in the early infancy stages of this neuroscience, and researchers are still examining these relationships.
  • Family history: Families with one child with autism or an eating disorder have an increased risk of another child having those disorders. Similarly, there are links between parents having these conditions and their children having them.
  • Preterm birth: Some research shows that babies born prematurely (before 32 weeks gestation) have a greater risk of developing autism and anorexia.10,11
  • Advanced paternal age: Although there hasn’t been extensive research on this topic, some data suggests that older paternal age is associated with an increased risk for various mental health disorders, including autism and eating disorders.12
  • Environmental factors: Researchers are examining the relationship between autism, eating disorders, and different environmental risk factors, including low birth weights, prenatal exposure to pollution and pesticides, and early birth difficulties.

How Are Co-Occurring Eating Disorders & Autism Treated?

Comprehensive treatment needs to consider both the distinction and overlap of the eating disorder and any relevant autistic symptoms. Effective treatment should be multifaceted, and a thorough mental health assessment is essential. For instance, many people with eating disorders may have undiagnosed autism, and vice versa.

If you’re ready to get treatment, consider asking your primary care physician for a referral, using an online therapist directory where you can sort by specialty and insurance coverage, or using an online eating disorder treatment platform like Within Health or Equip Health.

Options for treating eating disorders in people with autism include:

  • Play therapy: Play therapy provides interactive support, and it can be especially helpful for younger clients. It can help people understand their thoughts and feelings without direct talk therapy.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT offers guidance in modifying negative or unhelpful thinking patterns, and replacing them with healthier ones. It also introduces adaptive coping skills for coping with triggering situations.
  • Enhanced cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-E): CBT-E is specifically designed for eating disorders. It blends concepts of psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, and changing problematic eating disorder symptoms.
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT blends mindfulness and behavioral interventions. This therapy ultimately helps people identify their values and live congruently with them.
  • Family therapy: Family therapy can empower people to provide support to their loved ones with an eating disorder and autism. This therapy also teaches healthy communication and reinforces boundaries and safety.

How to Cope With Autism & Eating Disorders

At times, having comorbid autism and an eating disorder may feel challenging. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, it might also seem like things will never get better. Implementing healthy lifestyle habits and considering professional treatment can make a significant difference in improving how you feel.

Here are some ways to cope with an eating disorder when you’re also autistic:

  • Build a healthy peer support system: It’s important to have reliable friends and family who can validate you. If talking to people feels overwhelming, consider finding an online group or forum.
  • Keep your hands occupied: Sensory and fidget toys can help with the restlessness that coincides with both disorders. These objects can also encourage mindfulness.
  • Practice positive affirmations: Remind yourself that you can cope with challenging circumstances and learn from your hardships.
  • Stick to a routine: Autistic people tend to thrive with routine. Aim to build a healthy routine that balances self-care with your typical responsibilities.
  • Change your environment: If you feel stressed in a particular setting, consider leaving altogether. Before you attend an event that may feel triggering, consider brainstorming an exit strategy.
  • Hold onto grounding items: Designate a small rock, coin, or other tangible item that promotes a sense of calm. The next time you feel triggered or overwhelmed, hold onto that item as a reminder that you can get through this moment.
  • Take a few deep breaths: Close your eyes and inhale as deeply as you can. Then, exhale as deeply as you can. Repeat at least five times.
  • Find a creative outlet: Consider journaling, painting, drawing, or taking photos as part of your wellness plan.
  • Celebrate small successes: Recovery from an eating disorder is rarely linear. Make it a point to acknowledge all steps taken in the right direction, no matter how small they may seem.

Equip Health Review

Equip Health Review 2024: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For

Equip Health provides evidence-based online treatment for eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and binge eating disorder. During our independent review of Equip Health, they earned 4.5 out of 5 stars overall. The company serves anyone aged 5 years and older throughout the United States via live video sessions.

Read More

In My Experience

Headshot of Nicole Arzt, LMFT Nicole Arzt, LMFT
Eating disorders can be deadly, and comorbid autism can complicate your symptoms and prognosis. If you are struggling, it may be time to consider seeking professional help. Choosing the right therapist is a great step in the right direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can an eating disorder treatment team make a treatment plan that fits the unique needs of someone with autism?

Click here to open the answer container. Click here to close the answer container.

It’s important for the treatment team to be aware that autism is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Every autistic person is different, and, based on their eating disorder concerns, each client will have different needs, strengths, and treatment preferences. In general, it’s key to be mindful of an autistic’s client’s potential sensory issues and their desire for structure and predictability.

How does autism affect eating?

Click here to open the answer container. Click here to close the answer container.

Autism can impact habits in several ways. Autism may coincide with sensory sensitivities, which can impact eating habits. People may have heightened aversions to certain tastes, textures, or types of food. They may also have preferred eating rituals that can feel rigid or obsessive. Some autistic people also have co-occurring issues related to anxiety or depression, which can make them more prone to seeking food for comfort.

What percentage of autistic people have an eating disorder?

Click here to open the answer container. Click here to close the answer container.

The exact percentage of autistic people with eating disorders is unknown. This is because both conditions are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. However, some research suggests that anywhere from 4-24% of people diagnosed with eating disorders also have autism. Anorexia appears to be the most common eating disorder diagnosis, but autistic people may also experience other eating disorders.13

What challenges might someone with autism face when trying to get the right treatment for their eating disorder?

Click here to open the answer container. Click here to close the answer container.

Autistic people may present as “resistant” to treatment, although this resistance is usually an expression of difficulties associated with change, flexibility, and social connection. Some autistic people struggle to open up about their emotions, which can make it difficult for them to engage in the treatment process. Similarly, they may also have co-occurring mental health issues, including PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

Autism & Eating Disorders Infographics

How Do Autism & Eating Disorders Overlap? Common Eating Disorders in Those With Autism How to Cope With Autism & Eating Disorders

Sources Update History

ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Eating disorders and autism (2022). Eating Disorders Victoria. Retrieved from: https://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/eating-disorders-a-z/eating-disorders-and-autism/

  • When do children usually show symptoms of autism? National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/conditioninfo/symptoms-appear

  • Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder (2022, March). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html

  • Eating Disorder Statistics. (2021). National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. Retrieved from: https://anad.org/eating-disorders-statistics/

  • Systematic Review: Overlap Between Eating, Autism Spectrum, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disord Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6796791/

  • Anorexia’s link to autism, explained (2020, December). Spectrum News. Retrieved from: https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/anorexias-link-to-autism-explained/

  • The central role of disgust in disorders of food avoidance (2019, February). International Journal of Eating Disorders. Retrieved from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/eat.23047

  • ASD, Digestive Issues, and Pica (2022, April). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/features/ASD-digestive-issues-and-pica.html

  • Are Autism and Overeating Linked? (2017, October). Colombian College of Arts & Sciences. Retrieved from: https://columbian.gwu.edu/are-autism-and-overeating-linked

  • Autism spectrum disorder (2022). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928

  • Very Preterm Birth, Birth Trauma, and the Risk of Anorexia Nervosa Among Girls (1999, July). JAMA Network. Retrieved from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/205100

  • Paternal age at childbirth and eating disorders in offspring (2017, February). KI Open Archive Home. Retrieved from: https://openarchive.ki.se/xmlui/handle/10616/45938

  • Eating disorders. National Autistic Society. Retrieved from: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/eating-disorders

Show more Click here to open the article sources container.

We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

February 26, 2024
Author: Nicole Arzt, LMFT (No Change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Fact checked and edited for improved readability and clarity.
October 6, 2022
Author: Nicole Arzt, LMFT
Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD
Show more Click here to open the article update history container.

Your Voice Matters

Can't find what you're looking for?

Request an article! Tell ChoosingTherapy.com’s editorial team what questions you have about mental health, emotional wellness, relationships, and parenting. Our licensed therapists are just waiting to cover new topics you care about!

Request an Article

Leave your feedback for our editors.

Share your feedback on this article with our editors. If there’s something we missed or something we could improve on, we’d love to hear it.

Our writers and editors love compliments, too. :)

Leave Feedback

Best Online Therapy Services of 2025: Our Firsthand Experiences & Recommendations

Best Online Therapy Services

There are a number of factors to consider when trying to determine which online therapy platform is going to be the best fit for you. It’s important to be mindful of what each platform costs, the services they provide you with, their providers’ training and level of expertise, and several other important criteria.

Read more

Find a therapist in your state

Get the help you need from a therapist near you

City or zip Search

California
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington

Are you a Therapist? Get Listed Today

Autism Newsletter

A free newsletter for those impacted by autism. Get helpful tips and the latest information.

ChoosingTherapy.com Logo White
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

FOR IMMEDIATE HELP CALL:

Medical Emergency: 911

Suicide Hotline: 988

View More Crisis Hotlines
Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on X
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube

© 2025 Choosing Therapy, Inc. All rights reserved.

X