Compensatory Strategies in Adolescent Females with a Restrictive Eating Disorder and Later Diagnosed Autism: A Qualitative Study of Patient Records

Compensatory Strategies in Adolescent Females with a Restrictive Eating Disorder and Later Diagnosed Autism: A Qualitative Study of Patient Records

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DOI 10.20900/jpbs.20240009
刊名
JPBS
年,卷(期) 2024, 9(6)
作者
作者单位

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Copenhagen University Hospital—Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark ;

摘要
Purpose: This qualitative study explored descriptions of social development and compensatory strategies concerning young females (YPs) diagnosed with autism during treatment for a restrictive eating disorder (R-ED), as they may represent a subgroup whose difficulties have gone unnoticed earlier in life, potentially contributing to the development of R-ED. Methods: Thematic analysis was conducted on excerpts from patient records of 41 YPs with R-ED and later diagnosed autism. Results: Four main themes emerged: (1) YPs attempted to adapt to social interactions by mimicking behaviours and relying on friends, and they strove to adhere to social norms despite the costs; (2) Parents helped YPs navigate social relations and adapted family life to meet the YPs’ needs for structure, routine, and sensory issues; (3) Throughout YPs’ childhood, parents interpreted YPs challenges as character traits or mental health issues such as anxiety; (4) There were no early childhood concerns. Conclusion: The compensatory strategies such as mimicking peers, adhering to societal expectations despite costs, and parents meeting YPs’ atypical needs may contribute to a late autism diagnosis. Assessing autism characteristics and compensatory strategies in YPs with R-ED may guide interventions and improve treatment effectiveness for this subgroup.
Abstract
Purpose: This qualitative study explored descriptions of social development and compensatory strategies concerning young females (YPs) diagnosed with autism during treatment for a restrictive eating disorder (R-ED), as they may represent a subgroup whose difficulties have gone unnoticed earlier in life, potentially contributing to the development of R-ED. Methods: Thematic analysis was conducted on excerpts from patient records of 41 YPs with R-ED and later diagnosed autism. Results: Four main themes emerged: (1) YPs attempted to adapt to social interactions by mimicking behaviours and relying on friends, and they strove to adhere to social norms despite the costs; (2) Parents helped YPs navigate social relations and adapted family life to meet the YPs’ needs for structure, routine, and sensory issues; (3) Throughout YPs’ childhood, parents interpreted YPs challenges as character traits or mental health issues such as anxiety; (4) There were no early childhood concerns. Conclusion: The compensatory strategies such as mimicking peers, adhering to societal expectations despite costs, and parents meeting YPs’ atypical needs may contribute to a late autism diagnosis. Assessing autism characteristics and compensatory strategies in YPs with R-ED may guide interventions and improve treatment effectiveness for this subgroup.
关键词
adolescents; females; autism; eating disorder; compensating strategies; camouflaging
KeyWord
adolescents; females; autism; eating disorder; compensating strategies; camouflaging
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Mette Kaad Jensen,Tine Wedfall Lydiksen,Signe Holm Pedersen,Mette Bentz*. Compensatory Strategies in Adolescent Females with a Restrictive Eating Disorder and Later Diagnosed Autism: A Qualitative Study of Patient Records [J]. Journal of Psychiatry and Brain Science. 2024; 9; (6). - .

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