Measuring eating disorders in Autistic people: a proposal for future research

Longhurst, Phaedra; Nimbley, Emy; Evans, Elizabeth H.; MacLennan, Keren; Gillespie-Smith, Karri; Duffy, Fiona

Abstract

While diagnostic pathways for identifying Autism in eating disorder (ED) populations have been developed, the field continues to lack validated psychometric tools to measure EDs for use in the Autistic population. Many commonly used measures for EDs potentially lack validity and reliability in the Autistic population limiting theoretical and practical advancements in the field. This paper outlines current conflicts in autism and ED research and how these can be addressed through psychometric methodology. We discuss: (1) the lack of differentiation between ED pathology and Autistic eating behaviours, as well as the limited inclusion of autism-specific mechanisms in existing tools; (2) the subsequent theoretical and practical implications for researchers, clinicians, and Autistic people; and (3) future directions for psychometric research. Scholars are encouraged to employ participatory designs autistic people before carefully considering which analytical strategies are used in the Autistic population.

Citation

Longhurst, P., Nimbley, E., Evans, E. H., MacLennan, K., Gillespie-Smith, K., & Duffy, F. (online). Measuring eating disorders in Autistic people: a proposal for future research. Eating Disorders, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/10640266.2024.2416340

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 1, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Oct 16, 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 23, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 30, 2024
• Journal: Eating Disorders
• Print ISSN: 1064-0266
• Electronic ISSN: 1532-530X
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 1-10
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10640266.2024.2416340
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2981579