The Role of Late Autism Diagnosis in Eating Disorder Recovery and Social Support with James Downs and Marissa Adams

In this week's episode, Han is joined by James Downs and Marissa Adams to discuss their recent publication exploring the link between eating disorders, late-diagnosed autism and social connectedness.James is a mental health campaigner, peer researcher and expert by experience in eating disorders. He works to develop collaboration across a range of professional and personal perspectives to improve mental health for all. He is also a musician, movement practitioner, and artist.Together, James and Marissa recently published research exploring the link between eating disorders, late autism diagnosis, and social connectedness.This week, we discuss:How late autism diagnosis can reframe the story of an eating disorderWhy one-size-fits-all eating disorder treatment often fails autistic peopleThe role of masking, misdiagnosis, and co-occurring conditions in ED developmentWhy individualised, neurodiversity-affirming care is essential for recoveryHow social connection looks different for autistic people (small circles, pets, nature)The importance of creating safe, validating treatment spaces where people can “re-story” identityWhy embracing difference can unlock more flexible, compassionate recovery support for everyoneTimestamps:06:30 – Late diagnosis, masking, and misdiagnosis 13:30 – Inpatient treatment, relapse, and the need for adaptation 18:30 – Making sense of autism post diagnosis 25:00 – Untangling autistic traits and eating disorder behaviours 31:00 – Social connection, pets, and neurodivergent-friendly community in recovery 38:00 – What flexible, individualised treatment can look like 45:00 – Identity, acceptance, and embracing neurodivergence in recovery Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of anorexia, bulimia, relapse, inpatient treatment, and diagnostic experiences.Read James and Marissa's recent paper [here].Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit!Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛