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Updated: Jan 13, 2026

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
Exploring recovery from anorexia in autistic adults: a qualitative study
Abigail McIntosh1, Rachael Hunter2
1Swansea University, Swansea, UK 2100515@swansea.ac.uk.
Objectives:
To examine the barriers and facilitators of anorexia nervosa (AN) recovery in adults with autism.
Design:
Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with autistic adults who identified as being in recovery or having recovered from AN.
Setting:
Participants were recruited via advertisements on social media and an eating disorder (ED) forum. Online Zoom interviews with 12 participants were conducted from October to November 2023.
Participants:
Overall, 12 autistic adults who identified as being in recovery or recovered from AN were included (11 women and 1 man; aged between 18-50 years).
Results:
Four key themes were identified: 'Sensory Experiences', 'Recovery in progress', 'Changing to healthy mindsets' and 'Engaging with treatment'. Results indicated that recovery for participants did not follow a linear path, with the role of autistic traits, such as sensory sensitivities, interoception and the internal voice, making recovery challenging.
Conclusion:
This study provides insight into the challenges and motivations experienced during the recovery process. Findings highlight the need for further research to improve guidelines and autism awareness in ED services.
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