Re-imagining connection: the role of late autism diagnosis in eating disorder recovery and social support
Abstract This paper explores the complex relationship between autism, social connection, and eating disorder recovery, drawing on the lived experiences of two late-diagnosed autistic adults with histories of longstanding and severe eating disorders. Using narrative and autoethnographic methods, we e...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-06-01
|
| Series: | Journal of Eating Disorders |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-025-01271-5 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1850109930537746432 |
|---|---|
| author | James Downs Marissa Adams |
| author_facet | James Downs Marissa Adams |
| author_sort | James Downs |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract This paper explores the complex relationship between autism, social connection, and eating disorder recovery, drawing on the lived experiences of two late-diagnosed autistic adults with histories of longstanding and severe eating disorders. Using narrative and autoethnographic methods, we examine how delayed autism diagnosis intersects with the social dimensions of illness, and the process of treatment and recovery. We identify unique barriers autistic individuals with eating disorders face in building meaningful social connections, navigating support systems, and accessing appropriate care. By integrating personal insights with existing research, we advocate for earlier autism screening and neurodiversity-affirming treatment approaches that embrace and value autistic differences, including the strengths inherent in neurodivergence. This requires a shift in how social support is conceptualised within eating disorder care, prioritising the creation of meaningful connections that address the unique social and emotional needs of autistic individuals. We argue for clinical practices that not only recognise the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals but also embrace the strengths they bring, fostering environments where autistic individuals can engage authentically in their recovery process. This approach ultimately benefits patients and treatment providers alike, promoting more inclusive, empathetic, and effective care for all. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-69ec9a848ce94a91a6012b371c9e239d |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2050-2974 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Eating Disorders |
| spelling | doaj-art-69ec9a848ce94a91a6012b371c9e239d2025-08-20T02:37:57ZengBMCJournal of Eating Disorders2050-29742025-06-0113111510.1186/s40337-025-01271-5Re-imagining connection: the role of late autism diagnosis in eating disorder recovery and social supportJames Downs0Marissa Adams1Expert by Experience, Independent ResearcherExpert by Experience, Independent ResearcherAbstract This paper explores the complex relationship between autism, social connection, and eating disorder recovery, drawing on the lived experiences of two late-diagnosed autistic adults with histories of longstanding and severe eating disorders. Using narrative and autoethnographic methods, we examine how delayed autism diagnosis intersects with the social dimensions of illness, and the process of treatment and recovery. We identify unique barriers autistic individuals with eating disorders face in building meaningful social connections, navigating support systems, and accessing appropriate care. By integrating personal insights with existing research, we advocate for earlier autism screening and neurodiversity-affirming treatment approaches that embrace and value autistic differences, including the strengths inherent in neurodivergence. This requires a shift in how social support is conceptualised within eating disorder care, prioritising the creation of meaningful connections that address the unique social and emotional needs of autistic individuals. We argue for clinical practices that not only recognise the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals but also embrace the strengths they bring, fostering environments where autistic individuals can engage authentically in their recovery process. This approach ultimately benefits patients and treatment providers alike, promoting more inclusive, empathetic, and effective care for all.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-025-01271-5Eating disordersAutismNeurodiversitySocial supportLived experienceCo-production |
| spellingShingle | James Downs Marissa Adams Re-imagining connection: the role of late autism diagnosis in eating disorder recovery and social support Journal of Eating Disorders Eating disorders Autism Neurodiversity Social support Lived experience Co-production |
| title | Re-imagining connection: the role of late autism diagnosis in eating disorder recovery and social support |
| title_full | Re-imagining connection: the role of late autism diagnosis in eating disorder recovery and social support |
| title_fullStr | Re-imagining connection: the role of late autism diagnosis in eating disorder recovery and social support |
| title_full_unstemmed | Re-imagining connection: the role of late autism diagnosis in eating disorder recovery and social support |
| title_short | Re-imagining connection: the role of late autism diagnosis in eating disorder recovery and social support |
| title_sort | re imagining connection the role of late autism diagnosis in eating disorder recovery and social support |
| topic | Eating disorders Autism Neurodiversity Social support Lived experience Co-production |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-025-01271-5 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT jamesdowns reimaginingconnectiontheroleoflateautismdiagnosisineatingdisorderrecoveryandsocialsupport AT marissaadams reimaginingconnectiontheroleoflateautismdiagnosisineatingdisorderrecoveryandsocialsupport |