<i>‘It’s not that they don’t want to access the support . . . it’s the impact of the autism’</i>: The experience of eating disorder services from the perspective of autistic women, parents and healthcare professionals

This study explores autistic women’s experiences of eating disorder services. Estimates suggest that 20%–30% women in treatment for anorexia nervosa display diagnostic features characteristic autism. Research suggests individuals’ needs are not being met by standard treatments. In the current study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 experience nervosa, 12 parents and 11 healthcare professionals. Using thematic analysis, three overarching themes identified: misunderstanding autism traits, one does fit all, improving accessibility engagement within We found there diverse barriers facing when these accentuated a lack understanding Future research should focus on developing interventions tailored to specific individuals nervosa. Lay Abstract About people also autistic, treatments seem work as well them. interviewed professionals working asked about their services, we treating Participants’ views represented overall themes: face many often because look at can specifically help individuals.