Examining the Role of Ethnic Identity in the Relationship between Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Eating Disorder

The present work provides a synthetic literature review investigating the potential role of ethnic identity in the relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and eating disorders (EDs). To date, there is no literature that directly examines the role that ethnic identity may play in the relationship between these two disorders. However, there is reason to believe it may; previous literature has shown that race/ethnicity plays a role in both of these disorders, and the role of ethnic identity has been more fully explored in the ED population. Notably, there is little research that examines the role of ethnic identity on ASD diagnoses. Based on the literature addressing the roles of race/ethnicity and ethnic identity in EDs along with the role of race/ethnicity in ASD, a hypothesis was formulated and explored in an attempt to facilitate an understanding of the role that ethnic identity has on the relationship between EDs and ASD. The thesis concludes by highlighting implications for clinical practice and offering suggestions for future research.