Description
We know from research that approximately 30% of individuals with a diagnosed eating disorder, for example, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and binge-eating disorder, are autistic. In the past autism was not necessarily recognised or accommodated in the treatment of eating disorders, potentially negatively affecting the outcomes of treatment. Some studies have indicated poorer outcomes in treatment for autistic individuals who have an eating disorder. Fortunately, there is now far more research, guidance, and understanding for parents and professionals working in this complex area.
In the presentation, we will provide a research update on our current understanding of the assessment and treatment of eating disorders for autistic individuals. Tony and Michelle draw on their combined experience of over 80 years of clinical experience, and the current research, to provide ideas and strategies to modify existing effective treatments for eating disorders to be successful for autistic individuals.
See trailer below for more information on content for the day:
About the speakers
Prof Tony Attwood PhD With a career spanning five decades, Professor Tony Attwood is considered to be one of the world’s foremost experts on Autism Spectrum Disorder. He currently works in his own private practice and is also an adjunct professor at Griffith University, Queensland and the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. His book Asperger’s Syndrome – A Guide for Parents and Professionals has sold over 500,000 copies and has been translated into 27 languages. His subsequent book, The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome, published in October 2006, has sold over 300,000 copies and has been translated into 18 languages, and is one of the primary textbooks on Asperger’s syndrome, otherwise known as Autism Spectrum Disorder – Level 1. Tony has been a sole and joint author for a further 14 subsequent books published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Future Horizons Inc. and Guilford Press. He has also contributed to 38 research papers and 22 book chapters.
Dr Michelle Garnett PhD Dr Michelle Garnett is a clinical psychologist who has specialised in autism for three decades. Her peer-reviewed research has informed understanding of early detection, the female profile and the importance of good mental health for autistic individuals. She has co-authored seven highly regarded books on autism, six with Prof Tony Attwood. Her most recent book, Autism Working: A Seven-Stage Plan to Thriving at Work lays out a practical plan for autistic adolescents and adults to thrive at work, including how to onboard an autistic employee. Her 2019 book with Barb Cook is a seminal work on the female presentation, Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism. She co-wrote Having Fun with Feelings on the Autism Spectrum and Ten Steps to Reducing Your Child’s Anxiety on the Autism Spectrum to provide guidance to parents of young autistic children. She runs a private practice in Brisbane, Australia, and regularly provides training in autism nationally and internationally.
