Recruiting

Brain imaging study of autism and eating disorders

Plain-English translation of NCT07098156 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

Researchers are studying how the brains of autistic people differ when they have anorexia nervosa compared to autistic people without eating disorders. The study uses MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) — a safe, painless scan that takes pictures of the brain — to look for these differences. This research may help doctors better understand and treat eating disorders in autistic individuals.

Autistic people have higher rates of eating disorders, and some may use restrictive eating as a way to mask their autism or fit in with others around them. Understanding the brain differences involved could help doctors recognize and treat eating disorders more effectively in autistic patients.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 25 and 45 years old
you have been clinically diagnosed with autism or have significant autistic traits
you can understand and respond to English questionnaires
you are able and willing to have an MRI brain scan in Aberdeen
for the healthy control group: you have never had an eating disorder

You likely don't qualify if…

you are under 25 or over 45 years old
you have a history of brain injury or stroke
you have other eating disorders besides anorexia nervosa
you have medical devices like pacemakers that cannot go in an MRI scanner
you have an intellectual disability that would prevent you from consenting or completing questionnaires independently

What participation looks like

If you join this study, you will have an MRI brain scan performed at a hospital in Aberdeen. You'll also complete questionnaires about your experiences and autism traits. The study compares autistic people without eating disorders to autistic people who currently have anorexia nervosa, so researchers can see if there are differences in how their brains are structured or function.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 26, 2026 · Not medical advice

Brain imaging study of autism and eating disorders

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(2 sites)