Anorexia Could Be A Sign Of Autism

I couldn't believe how serious anorexia was after reading this article. After watching news about girls starving themselves to seem thinner I thought it was a social thing. But according to a study by the leading autism expert Simon Baron-Cohen, it is found that those with anorexia have an above-average number of autistic traits. Now knowledge of autism and it's treatment can help treat girls(or anybody) overcome anorexia.

Published August 06, 2013/Reuters

Society has viewed anorexia as purely an eating disorder, but the similarities between those who suffer from that and those with autism challenges traditional belief. Autism and anorexia share certain symptoms such as rigid attitudes, behaviors, a tendency to be very self-focused, and a fascination with detail. Both disorders also share similar differences in the structure and function of brain regions involved in social perception.


This issue primarily affects young girls because autism usually affects boys. In fact 1 in every 50 child in the US is diagnosed with autism and those of whom are mostly boys. This leads girls with anorexia to be misdiagnosed as just an eating disorder instead of something more severe.


"Shifting their interest away from body weight and dieting on to a different but equally systematic topic may be helpful," said autistic researcher Tony Jaffa. "(And) recognizing that some patients with anorexia may also need help with social skills and communication, and with adapting to change, also gives us a new treatment angle."


Jaffa led a test on how 66 girls aged 12 to 18 with anorexia but without autism scored on tests to measure autistic traits. He and his researchers found that five times more girls with anorexia scored in the range where people with autism score.

Original Article

Check Out Bayho.comhttp://www.bayho.com/mm5/merchant.mvc for your Vitamins & Supplements