"I have to listen to whichever part of the body makes sense”: A qualitative study of intuitive eating in autistic/AuDHD people
This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. two authors of this publication are identified as autistic in the project.
About the autistic author markerLonghurst, P., Burnette, C. B., Cascio, M. A., Maloney, E., & Tylka, T. L. (2026). "I have to listen to whichever part of the body makes sense”: A qualitative study of intuitive eating in autistic/AuDHD people. Body Image, 58, 102140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2026.102140
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Authors
Abstract
Intuitive eating, an adaptive approach to eating that involves listening to and trusting the body's internal cues, has been identified as an effective strategy for fostering a positive body image and enhancing physical and mental well-being. While body image scholars have extensively explored intuitive eating among the general population, extant theory and practice have yet to consider the neurodivergent community, specifically autistic/AuDHD people (autistic and have ADHD). To address this, we explored how autistic/AuDHD people understand and experience intuitive eating, and their perceived barriers and facilitators to eating more intuitively. Using a lived-experience-led qualitative framework, we conducted one-to-one semi-structured interviews among 20 autistic/AuDHD adults (nine female-identifying, eight male-identifying, and three identifying as non-binary; aged 21-63 years) from the United Kingdom. Through reflexive thematic analysis, we identified three superordinate themes that reflect body- and eating-related experiences: (Re)defining intuitive eating, disruptions to intuitive eating, and reframing and supporting intuitive eating. Critically, we identified four sub-themes that reflect the core components of autistic/AuDHD people's intuitive eating: (1) unconditional permission to eat; (2) eating for physical, emotional, and sensory reasons; (3) relying on internal and external cues; and (4) autistic/AuDHD body-food choice congruence. While some aspects of intuitive eating are consistent with those found in the general population, there are crucial nuances in how autistic/AuDHD people experience and adopt strategies to eat intuitively. Further research is needed to enhance the applicability of intuitive eating for promoting a healthier body image and eating well-being in the wider autistic/AuDHD population.
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Cited bibliography overview
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