Measuring eating disorders in Autistic people: a proposal for future research.

While diagnostic pathways for identifying Autism in eating disorder (ED) populations have been developed, the field continues to lack validated psychometric tools to measure EDs for use in the Autistic population. Many commonly used measures for EDs potentially lack validity and reliability in the Autistic population limiting theoretical and practical advancements in the field. This paper outlines current conflicts in autism and ED research and how these can be addressed through psychometric methodology.

Project Soothe: A pilot study evaluating the mood effects of soothing images collected using a citizen science approach.

Background: Mentally-generated soothing imagery is a therapeutic technique to support mental wellbeing, but some individuals may require support using externally presented stimuli. Project Soothe was launched to collect soothing images using a citizen science approach. This online pilot study evaluated the first 575 soothing images collected, examining: 1) if the images were perceived to be soothing; 2) if viewing the images had a positive impact on mood; and 3) if mood effects were influenced by individual differences in age, gender and depressive symptoms.

"It Is a Big Spider Web of Things": Sensory Experiences of Autistic Adults in Public Spaces.

Background: Sensory processing differences are commonly experienced by autistic individuals, and some sensory experiences can greatly impact the mental health and quality of life of individuals. Previous research suggests that adapting the sensory nature of environments may improve individual experiences and engagement with these spaces. However, knowledge about which public places are particularly disabling is limited, especially from the perspective of autistic individuals.