Exploring recovery from anorexia in autistic adults: a qualitative study

McIntosh, Abigail and Hunter, Rachael 2026. Exploring recovery from anorexia in autistic adults: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 16 (1) , e111034. 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-111034

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Abstract

Objectives To examine the barriers and facilitators of anorexia nervosa (AN) recovery in adults with autism. Design Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with autistic adults who identified as being in recovery or having recovered from AN. Setting Participants were recruited via advertisements on social media and an eating disorder (ED) forum. Online Zoom interviews with 12 participants were conducted from October to November 2023. Participants Overall, 12 autistic adults who identified as being in recovery or recovered from AN were included (11 women and 1 man; aged between 18–50 years). Results Four key themes were identified: ‘Sensory Experiences’, ‘Recovery in progress’, ‘Changing to healthy mindsets’ and ‘Engaging with treatment’. Results indicated that recovery for participants did not follow a linear path, with the role of autistic traits, such as sensory sensitivities, interoception and the internal voice, making recovery challenging. Conclusion This study provides insight into the challenges and motivations experienced during the recovery process. Findings highlight the need for further research to improve guidelines and autism awareness in ED services.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Publisher:	BMJ Publishing Group
ISSN:	2044-6055
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	19 January 2026
Date of Acceptance:	19 December 2025
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2026 17:04
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/184037

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