Towards identifying a method of screening for autism amongst women with restrictive eating disorders

Adamson, James, Brede, Janina, Babb, Charli, Serpell, Lucy, Jones, Catherine RG, Fox, John ORCID: 0000-0003-3039-8024 and Mandy, Will (2022) Towards identifying a method of screening for autism amongst women with restrictive eating disorders. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, 30 (5). pp. 592-603.

Access the full-text of this item by clicking on the Open Access link.

PDF Towards identifying a method of screening for autism amongst women with restrictive eating disorders.pdf - Published version Download (472kB) | Preview

Abstract

<h4>Objective</h4>Up to 37% of patients with anorexia nervosa score above cut-off on autism screening measures. These individuals typically have poorer outcomes from standard eating disorder interventions and could therefore benefit from adaptations. Accurately identifying these individuals is important for improving autism referral processes and clinical pathway decisions. This study's aim was to identify subscales of questionnaires measuring constructs associated with either autism or eating disorders that, when combined with traditional autism screening measures, would improve the ability to identify women with restrictive eating disorders who might benefit from a full autism assessment.<h4>Method</h4>One hundred and sixty women with restrictive eating disorders, with (n = 42) or without (n = 118) an autism diagnosis completed a battery of questionnaires. Using conditional stepwise binary logistic regression, we attempted to improve the autism spectrum quotient 10 item's (AQ-10) ability to discriminate between autistic and non-autistic women in a restrictive eating disorder sample.<h4>Results</h4>In a binary logistic regression model, the AQ-10 reliably discriminated between autistic and non-autistic women with an accuracy rate of 85% but had relatively low (69%) sensitivity, reflecting a high rate of false negatives. Adding three subscales to the model (Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire Auditory, Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire Compensation and Toronto Alexithymia Scale Externally Orientated Thinking) significantly improved its differentiating ability (accuracy = 88%, sensitivity = 76%, specificity = 92%).<h4>Conclusions</h4>We have identified three subscales that, when used in combination with the AQ-10, may help clinicians understand the pattern of autistic traits in their patients with a restrictive eating disorder. This can inform clinical decisions about whether to refer for a full autism assessment and whether to adapt standard eating disorder treatments to accommodate autistic traits. Future studies are needed to test the model in samples where participants have undergone a full autism assessment.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	anorexia nervosa, autism, autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, screening
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	31 Jan 2023 16:43
Last Modified:	31 Jan 2023 16:44
DOI:	10.1002/erv.2918
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.2918
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3168043