Objective: We are pleased to introduce this special issue about Autism and Feeding and Eating Disorders, representing reflections on this complex comorbidity.
Method: Contributions focussed on several main themes: (1) the definition and assessment of autism and eating disorder (ED) comorbidity; (2) the brain imaging findings of similarities and differences between autism and EDs; (3) sensory systems and interoception; (4) comorbidity across the age spectrum and (5) improving treatment outcomes in ED and autism comorbidity.
Results: The papers in this issue highlight the importance of research, screening and practical adaptations in the field of ED and autism comorbidity. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition with several strengths and weaknesses. When patients present with this comorbidity, it is important that their ED is treated which requires careful adaptation and tailoring for people with autism.
Discussion: This special issue is an attempt to facilitate further research and stimulate collaborations between all of the stakeholders, particularly clinicians who have expertise in autism and clinicians working in the field of ED. We have included diverse themes from international researchers conducting qualitative and quantitative studies, providing research evidence to inform treatment modifications for this complex comorbidity.
© 2022 Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.