A Square Peg in a Round Hole: Comparing Binge Eating on the Autism Spectrum with Diagnostic Criteria

Previous studies have noted high rates of Eating Disorders (ED) among children with Autism, including various binging behaviors. Emerging research indicates that this disordered eating carries over into adulthood. Despite this, many of the formal criteria used to establish Binge Eating Disorder (BED) are not applicable to those on the spectrum.  This presentation will address each of these criteria and demonstrate the evidence for presentation amongst those with Autism and the difficulty, in most cases, of even assessing mental states for those with communicative disorders. Thus, even though binge eating is widely prevalent amongst children and adults with Autism, assessment based upon formal criteria is almost impossible.

Bio:

Janice Goldschmidt has spent the last decade teaching cooking skills to adults with autism as a form of nutrition intervention.   She currently serves as Direction of Nutrition Services at Community Support Services, Inc., a large provider of educational, recreational, vocational, and residential services in suburban Maryland.  In this capacity, she is responsible for the development and implementation of a wide range of programs that assist adults with autism and other developmental disabilities in the development of greater dietary variety and enhanced nutritional status.