A pilot study investigating the acceptability and feasibility of a group intervention for parents of autistic young people with anorexia nervosa within a specialist eating disorders service.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Many children and young people presenting with anorexia nervosa will also be autistic. While autistic children and young people may have similar physical health outcomes compared to their neurotypical peers, they are more likely to experience poorer recovery, requiring more intensive treatments. Similarly, parents report needing additional support from mental health services. Parents may benefit from a group intervention as an adjunct to family therapy to help them effectively care for their children and to reduce the psychological impact this may have on them. This study aimed to provide an overview of the group intervention and evaluate its feasibility and acceptability.

Methods

Attendance rates were used to evaluate the feasibility of the group. Parents were in

SUBMITTER: Loizou S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12482359 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature