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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Elizabeth EvansORCiD, Dr Gareth RichardsORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Previous studies have reported positive correlations between autistic traits and disordered eating, though it is unclear whether the association is moderated by sex/gender or whether it is independent of anxiety or depression. We present the findings of an online survey of 691 participants who completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26). Following a pre-registered analysis plan, we observed positive correlations between AQ and EAT-26 in males and females, with the association being significantly stronger in females. AQ also remained a significant predictor of EAT-26 when anxiety or depression were controlled for statistically. These findings may be relevant when considering therapeutic interventions in disordered eating populations that exhibit autistic traits.
Author(s): Barnett A, Edwards K, Harper R, Evans E, Alexander D, Choudhary M, Richards G
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Year: 2021
Volume: 51
Pages: 1866-1879
Print publication date: 01/06/2021
Online publication date: 27/08/2020
Acceptance date: 14/08/2020
Date deposited: 27/08/2020
ISSN (print): 0162-3257
ISSN (electronic): 1573-3432
Publisher: Springer New York LLC
URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04669-z
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04669-z
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