Autistic traits, sensory sensitivity and eating disturbances in a sample of young adults referring to a generalized mental health clinic

• DOI: 10.1007/s40519-024-01639-7
• Publication Date: 2024-01-23T09:02:07Z
• Authors: Veronica Nisticò; Gianmarco Ingrosso; Francesco Lombardi; Elia Chiudinelli; Giulia Bianchini; Raffaella Faggioli; Angelo Bertani; Orsola Gambini; Benedetta Demartini
• Keywords: Autistic traits

Abstract Purpose The relationship between autistic traits and eating disturbances has been given considerable attention over the last decades. rise of a dimensional approach to psychopathology expanded way we think about autism, acknowledging that subthreshold manifestations span across general population are more pronounced in psychiatric patients. Here investigated prevalence disorders its potential with sensory sensitivity group patients who were referred for first time mental health outpatient clinic, without formal diagnosis yet. Methods 259 young adults (between 18 24 years old) completed: Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), Swedish Assessment Autism Spectrum Disorders (SWEAA), Quotient (AQ), Ritvo Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R), Sensory Perception Quotient—Short Form 35 item (SPQ-SF35). Results 23.55% participants scored above cut-off at EAT-26, suggesting they presented risk should be assessed by specialized clinician; associations emerged hypersensitivity touch vision domain both EAT-26 SWEAA; presence was largely associated disturbances. Conclusions This study underlines significance as central psychopathological feature distress experienced symptoms psychological suffering; it adds evidence association opens new research questions role psychopathology. Level evidence: I: Evidence obtained from experimental studies.