Why is anorexia so common in autism? Reasons why I think there’s a link between anorexia and autism

Control

It is a common autism trait to crave control. When we feel out of control sometimes we will turn to something we can control. Our food.

Routine

Another common autism trait is having a need for routine. If needs can’t be met, some people may find routine in anorexia by making a routine out of behaviors.

Black and white thinking

Black and white thinking is another common trait of autism. This all or nothing thinking can trigger anorexia behaviors. For example, if someone starts a diet to lose weight, it can turn dangerous very quickly.

Trauma

Growing up autistic in a neurotypical world is inherently traumatic. Trauma is the key ingredient for anorexia.

Special Interest

Having intense interests in one or few things is another autism trait. Sometimes that special interest is maladaptive. Losing weight can become one and they can become obsessive with calorie counting, exercise, the scale, etc. to the point where that’s all they think about.

Being trans

Being transgender is a lot more common in autistic people than the general population. Gender dysphoria can cause someone to want to change their bodies in a maladaptive way in desperation which can become anorexia.

Fitting in

Desperation to fit in as an autistic individual can turn to drastic measures. Fitting in is a survival instinct. When autistic people feel like they can’t fit in, they may turn to their bodies to do so.

Therapy

Some autism therapies use food as a reward for being compliant. This can be internalized as needing to earn food. When the individual feels they aren’t good enough, they may restrict because they don’t feel like they deserve food.

Watch out for your autistic friends and family. Know the signs. Stop normalizing fatphobia and diet culture. Help them get their needs met.