Eating Disorders in Autistic and ADHD Adults
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring Sensory Processing, Camouflaging, Monotropism and Trauma in Eating Disorders Among Autistic and ADHD Adults
IRAS ID
346710
Contact name
Karri Gillespie-Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 4 days
Research summary
This study looks at the connections between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, and eating disorder (ED) behaviours among adults. EDs, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), are serious conditions with high death rates and affect about 7.8% of people worldwide. These conditions are even more common among Autistic and ADHD adults. Despite this, there are currently no clear guidelines for treating eating disorders in these groups, highlighting the need for more tailored treatment approaches.
This study will use correlational and regression analysis to explore how sensory processing differences, camouflaging behaviours (social strategies to "mask" or hide autism traits), monotropism (intense focus on specific interests), and past trauma might predict ED behaviours. This study will also take into account autism and ADHD traits, body mass index (BMI), anxiety, and depression. The goal is to understand these relationships better so that healthcare providers can develop evidence-based treatments and guidelines, improving the care and quality of life for autistic and ADHD adults with eating disorders.
Participants will be recruited from NHS and private adult eating disorder services across the UK. Some services will act as Participant Identification Centres (PICs), where clinicians may support recruitment by briefly introducing the study to eligible individuals, signposting them to an A4 study advertisement (used as both a flyer and a poster) displayed in clinics or waiting areas, or handing out printed copies during appointments.
Other services may act as research sites, where broader study promotion, such as poster displays and internal communications, may also be supported, subject to local governance approvals. Recruitment may also be supported through organisations such as the British Eating Disorders Society (BrEDS) and Beat Eating Disorders charity.
Participants will complete a set of validated self-report questionnaires through the online Qualtrics survey platform. Interested individuals will independently access study information and provide consent by following a QR code or website link on the study materials.
To take part, individuals must currently be receiving treatment for an eating disorder. A formal ED diagnosis is not required, as treatment may have begun based on clinical need. Participants can either have a diagnosis of autism and/or ADHD from a healthcare provider (NHS or private) or self-identify as Autistic and/or ADHD. This approach acknowledges that neurodevelopmental conditions are often underdiagnosed, particularly among women and minority groups, due to stigma, diagnostic overshadowing, and long waiting times (Begeer et al., 2008; Lockwood Estrin et al., 2020; Morgan, 2023).
References
Begeer, S., Bouk, S. E., Boussaid, W., Terwogt, M. M., & Koot, H. M. (2008). Underdiagnosis and Referral Bias of Autism in Ethnic Minorities. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(1), 142–148. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-008-0611-5Lockwood Estrin, G., Milner, V., Spain, D., Happé, F., & Colvert, E. (2020). Barriers to Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis for Young Women and Girls: a Systematic Review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 8(8), 454–470. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-020-00225-8
Morgan, J. (2023). Exploring women’s experiences of diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood: a qualitative study. Advances in Mental Health, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/18387357.2023.2268756
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0738
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion