Eating disorder and ASD

Hi,

I have recently received an ASD diagnosis. For the past year I have been having problems with my eating and referred to lots of different people, I am currently with SEDS (specialist eating disorder service). They have been struggling to treat me, and now with my diagnosis they are putting my eating problems down to the ASD and don’t think I have an ED (eating disorder)

For a bit of background, I have always been a “picky” eater but last year when COVID began I started to restrict my intake and became very obsessive with my weight. I am still struggling with my eating, still have bad thoughts and still losing weight. 

The SEDS have now referred me to autism services and are about to discharge me, even though I still have characteristics of someone with an ED. They believe it is all to do with my ASD and wanting control. 

I am putting this post out there to see if anyone has any related experience or advice, anything would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Parents
  • I mean there is no rule that says it can't be both. Being a picky eater can synergise with eating disorders to make them worse. A sensible response would have been adopt a multi disaplinory approach and for them to coordinate your treatment together ... but that would blur the lines over who's paying for what and the NHS is paranoid about some other part of the NHS coming and taking its money away.

    The fastest way is probably to go the autism service and explain the situation. If they agree with you they'll refer you right back to SEDS.

Reply
  • I mean there is no rule that says it can't be both. Being a picky eater can synergise with eating disorders to make them worse. A sensible response would have been adopt a multi disaplinory approach and for them to coordinate your treatment together ... but that would blur the lines over who's paying for what and the NHS is paranoid about some other part of the NHS coming and taking its money away.

    The fastest way is probably to go the autism service and explain the situation. If they agree with you they'll refer you right back to SEDS.

Children
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