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CME/CE PRESENTATION
They Won't Just Eat "When They Get Hungry": A Practitioner's Approach to Disordered Eating in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
PRESENTER: Julia Freeman, M.S., RBT
DETAILS: This presentation focuses on the signs, symptoms, risk factors, strategies, and possible
interventions to enhance developmental well-being of those below the age of 18 with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to diagnose, treat, and prevent eating disorders. Concerns such as rigidity, lack of variety/nutrients, attention span, behavioral and learning barriers, and co-occurring medical conditions will be discussed. A general overview of ASD in children, variations for clinic and home/community based approaches, and how this work and presentation contributes to a diverse population without eating disorders will also be included.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Explain the interventions, theory and diagnostic criteria for eating disorders amongst adolescents
with autism.
2. Apply skills learned to relevant clients including those with other neurodivergent diagnoses.
3. Demonstrate measurable improvement in implementing and designing treatment plans using
behavior analysis skills.
4. Identify areas where critical information is lacking and specify needs for future studies within families with autistic children.
GENERAL PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
"You're An Adult Now": Challenges and Strengths of Autistic Adult Eating Disorders
PRESENTER: Julia Freeman, M.S., RBT
DETAILS: Traditional models of eating disorder treatment facilities and approaches tend not to accommodate the specific needs of autistic (ASD) people. Unique considerations for treatment and considerations will be discussed in this presentation. Prevention and warning signs to be aware of eating disorders specific to autistic people over the age of 18 will be included. Attendees can expect a general overview of ASD in adults, variations for clinic and home/community based approaches, and how this research and presentation contributes to a diverse population without eating disorders will also be presented.
We Can Struggle Too: Experiencing Eating Disorder Stigma in Marginalized Communities
PRESENTER: Kimmie Bolinger, Survivor & Advocate
DETAILS: This presentation gives you an idea of how the stigma around eating disorders affects people in the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community. This presentation will also help you view things from a different lens to help break the stigma.
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Julia Freeman, M.S., RBT
Originally from Eddyville, Kentucky, Julia Freeman is a senior Applied Behavior Analysis technician and therapist at Balance Autism. In 2022, Julia joined Eating Disorder Coalition of Iowa as a board member. Freeman also serves on the advisory boards of HOPEwalk of Cedar Rapids and Tanager Place LGBTQ Youth Center while serving as a commissioner for Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission. Many former works and contributions to the field have been shared in professional, educational, and social networks.
Kimmie Bolinger, Survivor & Advocate
Kimmie is a psychiatric technician and mental health advocate in recovery from an eating disorder. She is a survivor of trauma, and abuse, and uses her story to encourage others. She is currently the member at large on the EDCI executive board to advocate for all people struggling with eating disorders. Kimmie is passionate about breaking the stigma, and stereotypes around eating disorders especially in the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community. You can always find Kimmie helping out in the community with fundraising, volunteering, and attending events to learn more about advocating for those in need.