A scoping review of the relationship between autistic traits and eating disorders: exploring the secondary impact of eating disorders and co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses.

OBJECTIVE

Research has highlighted co-occurrence and phenotypic overlap between autism and eating disorders (EDs), however the origin of this overlap is uncertain. The aim of this scoping review was to assess existing evidence on the role of acute illness effects and co-occurring mental health difficulties in the relationship between autism and EDs.

METHODS

The review was conducted following the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. Electronic databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science) and grey literature (ProQuest Dissertation and Theses) were searched up until 11th January 2026 for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods empirical studies using autism and ED search terms.

RESULTS

Longitudinal and qualitative evidence reporting Autistic traits in childhood, a lack of association between BMI and Autistic traits, and a link between autism and EDs not typically associated with low body weight suggests that the association between autism and EDs is not solely due to acute illness effects. High rates of additional mental health problems in those with EDs were not found to fully account for co-occurring autism or Autistic traits.

DISCUSSION: Areas for further research include ED populations other than anorexia nervosa (AN), and EDs in Autistic individuals rather than trait-based research. The review highlights the need for early identification of autism and support for Autistic young people, as well as improved training and autism-specific support in ED and other mental health services.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework, https://osf.io/t5fwg.