Eating Disorders and Autism: A Primer for the Eating Disorder Professional

Autistic people are disproportionately represented among those with eating disorders. In order to best serve our clients and work to improve outcomes in this population, it is important that eating disorder professionals are aware of autistic traits and how these may influence an individual’s experience of and recovery from their eating disorder.  In this webinar, we will explore both general and modality-specific adaptations in working with autistic individuals and their loved ones to guide clinician practice through a neurodiversity-affirming lens.

Learning Objectives:

Following this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. List at least 3 ways autistic individuals may have a different experience of their eating disorder.
2. Identify at least 3 in-session adaptations to make when working with autistic clients with an eating disorder.
3. Identify at least 3 adaptations to make when working with caregivers of autistic loved ones.
4. Describe how to alter the delivery of FBT for autistic clients with AN or ARFID.

Maggie Klyce, LICSW-S, CEDS Bio:

Maggie Klyce, LICSW-S, CEDS is a therapist and consultant with her own practice in Birmingham, Alabama. She is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and an approved supervisor for those seeking this designation. Maggie is extensively trained in several therapeutic modalities and is a trained interventionist.

She is a national presenter on the topics of eating disorders, autism, and addiction. She previously served as President for the Alabama Chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. She currently serves on the Eating Disorder Treatment Facilitator Task Force which aims to provide support for healthcare professionals in the detection and treatment of eating disorders.

Maggie has previously worked as a Clinical Director for a residential eating disorder treatment center and enjoys providing supervision and consultation for other clinicians and programs. She is committed to staying up to date with current research and best practices, combining this knowledge with empathy and compassion to best meet the needs of her clients.