Supporting Autistic People with Eating Disorders: A Guide to Adapting Treatment and Supporting Recovery

by Kate Tchanturia (Editor)

Overview

This book explores the link between autism and eating disorders through testimonies from practitioners, service users and carers. Combining research findings, case studies and first-hand accounts, it provides insights into how individuals on the autism spectrum can be supported towards full recovery from an eating disorder.

Edited by the lead Clinical Psychologist at the Maudsley Eating Disorder National Service, informed by their team's research, chapters focus on the unique issues arising when autism and eating disorders coexist.

The contributors suggest treatment adaptations from a multi-disciplinary perspective, and touch more broadly on the topic of poor mental health outcomes for autistic individuals, and how these might be improved.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781787754454
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	03/18/2021
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.06(h) x 0.79(d)

About the Author

Professor Kate Tchanturia is the lead clinical psychologist for the National Eating Disorder Service at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and Professor in the psychology of eating disorders at King's College London. She has lectured internationally and trained clinicians and researchers in the UK, US, Europe, South America, New Zealand and Australia in the neuropsychology of eating disorders.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 9

Editor's Note 10

Section 1 Research into Practice 13

1 Translating Research Evidence and Experience to Clinical Practice: PEACE Pathway Kate Tchanturia 15

2 Social Anxiety Jess Kerr-Gaffney Kate Tchanturia 26

Section 2 Lived Experience: Stigma, Credit or a Lack of Understanding? 35

3 Anorexia and AutismLessons Learned on the Road to Recovery Pooky Knightsmith 37

4 A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words A. Wadden 42

Section 3 Clinical Cases: Experience and Learning of a Clinical Team 47

5 Using the Autism Lens: Milly's Story: A Multidisciplinary Health Professional Team Approach in Supporting an Autistic Female with Anorexia Nervosa Yasemin Dandil Emma Kinnaird Jason Maldonado-Page Danilen Nursigadoo Jessica Gomularz Claire Baillie Kate Tchanturia 49

6 Adam's Story: Supporting a Male with Anorexia Nervosa and Elevated Autistic Features Katherine Smith Yasemin Dandil Claire Baillie Hubertus Himmerich Kate Tchanturia 76

Section 4 Supporting the Supporters: Learning How to Understand and Better Support our Loved Ones 87

7 Making the 'Mental Transition' from Clinician to Carer The Importance of Expressed Emotion Madeleine Oakley 89

8 Adapting Carers' Interventions for Families Where Eating Disorders and Autism Spectrum Conditions Co-Exist Amy Harrison 97

9 Catching 'Sparkling Moments' within Family and Systemic Psychotherapy Sessions Jason Maldonado-Page 108

Section 5 Food as a Remedy: Advice and Learning from a Dietician 121

10 Understanding the Challenges with Eating Kate Williams 123

11 Supporting Recovery of Eating and Nutrition Kate Williams 133

Section 6 Sensory Sensitivities: Assessing, Understanding and Adapting 157

12 Assessing Sensory Sensitivities Co-Occurring in Autism and Eating Disorders Emma Kinnaird Isis McLachlan Katherine Smith Kate Tchanturia 159

13 Occupational Therapy Benefits for an Autistic Patient with Bulimia Nervosa Jake Copp-Thomas 171

Section 7 Skilling Up the Clinical Team and Implementation 179

14 What Can Clinicians Do Differently in Sessions? Kate Tchanturia Katherine Smith Yasemin Dandil 181

15 Therapy with People on the Autistic Spectrum with Eating Disorders: Reflections of an Experienced Therapist Elaine Smith 191

16 The Importance of Assessment: Autism Evaluation in Healthcare Settings James Adamson Jess Kerr-Gaffney Katherine Smith Kate Tchanturia 199

17 Can You See Me? How to Build a Business Case in Your Team - Clinical Lead Perspective Danielle Glennon 207

18 Adopting, Adapting and Improving: Taking a Quality Improvement Approach to Cross the Chasm from Evidence to Implementation Anna Burhouse 213

19 Following the PEACE Pathway in Your Organization: Teamwork Makes Dream Work Kate Tchanturia Katherine Smith 231

20 Example of Becoming a More ASD-Friendly Inpatient Ward on the PEACE Pathway: Pulled together Claire Baillie 245

List of Contributors (in order of appearance in the book) 258

Subject Index 266

Author Index 271

Editorial Reviews

For too long, many clinicians diagnosed a person's anorexia but overlooked that the person may also be autistic. Such under-diagnosis means the person is left without the right support. This valuable book, edited by a pioneering expert in the intersection of these two clinical conditions, is full of accessible case studies and practical tools, which will empower both clinicians and their patients.

Professor Simon Baron-Cohen

Autistic people need tailored care for eating disorders; this excellent volume by Kate Tchanturia and colleagues shows how and why such an approach can change lives. With detailed practical examples and guidance, this is a must-read for anyone working with autistic people struggling with eating disorders. In fact, given the under-recognition of autism amongst women, I would urge everyone working in eating disorders to read it.

Professor Francesca Happé FBA FMedSci

Although the association between autism and eating disorders was first recognised some decades ago it has taken a long time for this knowledge to have an impact on clinical practice. In this book people with autism, family members and clinical and care staff describe their experiences of a specialist service for individuals with a dual diagnosis of autism and eating disorder. It is clear from these personal accounts how recognition of autism in patients with eating disorders and appropriate adaptations to standard intervention practices, can significantly increase treatment effectiveness. The benefits for people with autism, and those living with or caring for them are also significant, not only in terms of the eating problems but also with regard to feelings of self-confidence and self-worth, and overall quality of life.

Professor Patricia Howlin

Autistic people need tailored care for eating disorders; this excellent volume by Kate Tchanturia and colleagues shows how and why such an approach can change lives. With detailed practical examples and guidance, this is a must-read for anyone working with autistic people struggling with eating disorders. In fact, given the under-recognition of autism amongst women, I would urge everyone working in eating disorders to read it.

Professor Francesca Happé FBA FMedSci