B4302 - Mediating pathways between childhood autistic traits and adolescent disordered eating behaviours - 24/04/2023

B number: 
B4302
Principal applicant name: 
Francesca Solmi | UCL (United Kingdom)
Co-applicants: 
Mr Thomas Hughes, Dr William Mandy
Title of project: 
Mediating pathways between childhood autistic traits and adolescent disordered eating behaviours
Proposal summary: 

Research suggests that children with autistic symptoms have an increased risk of experiencing symptoms of eating disorders in adolescence. However, it is still not clear which experiences lead to this increased risk. Previous studies have shown that autistic children are more likely to be bullied and have symptoms of depression. These are also plausible risk factors for eating disorders and could be addressed by interventions, but no research has investigated these pathways yet.

Impact of research: 
This study will be first to investigate this question and could lead to the development of preventative interventions.
Date proposal received: 
Tuesday, 4 April, 2023
Date proposal approved: 
Monday, 24 April, 2023
Keywords: 
Epidemiology, Eating disorders - anorexia, bulimia, Mental health, Statistical methods, Childhood - childcare, childhood adversity, Offspring, Statistical methods