Learning disability with anorexia?

[Sausagedoglover22]

Hi everyone!

I’m the youngest child at 28 My older sister is 38 and has a learning disability (one that most people say oh but she doesn’t look like anything’s wrong 😡 honestly makes me so angry hearing that phrase) but anyway she has had many obsessions through her life but unfortunately the most recent is excessive exercise and controlled eating she has lost so much weight she looks ill. today she sat and cried stating she feels fat but she knows she’s skinny? I have tried to get my mum to arrange an appointment but she’s almost in denial and is going through a tough time herself with depression so now I’ve basically told her we’re making a doctors appointment but I’m really worried she’ll clam up and not say anything at the appointment and that the doctors don’t really understand anorexia let alone someone with learning disabilities with anorexia? Has anyone else gone through something similar? Thanks for listening to my rant btw 😅 just abit worried and no one else really understands what it’s like

[Jofisher]

Hi try one of the anorexia organisations as they should be able to guide you and the Mencap helpline. If she’s Autistic and I don’t know that they can obsess and fixate on things. I feel for you and also try the carers association they can be really helpful as well good luck

[Cribster]

I think you have done the right thing in approaching the GP. Would she let you go with her? GPs should know the right pathways for support as well as what physical observations / blood tests to undertake. You could also seek advice from your local Community Team for Learning Disabilities who are likely to be in an NHS Trust who provide Eating Disorder Services too (sometimes as part of the generic mental health services). In my experience of working in CTLDs for 20 years, I had very few referrals for adults with learning disabilities and anorexia, but it was considered part of our role as a team. I now work in children’s eating disorder services and we have seen an incredible increase in referrals. So, it stands to reason that CTLDs may now be seeing more referrals, even if numbers are low comparatively. Speaking to the CTLD team may help them prepare for the referral and think about who to liaise with about supporting your sister. In my old team, referrals could be taken from anyone, not just GPs, so there is nothing to stop you calling. BEAT would be worth you talking to also. They advise families around Eating Disorders, as do SEED.

[White25]

My daughter was not eating or drinking two days a week, it was a nightmare and a worry, and she was doing excessive exercise, she wanted to be super skinny, checking all food labels for calories, has ASD and learning difficulties. She was in care house for 4 years and moved to another care house at 18, and they told us she was not eating in the previous house for a long time only eating cake and they never told us, (they told us when she eats out, Hines meat balls she picks out all the meat) she is very thin looking, we have never seen her eating a meal only burger and chips. She does not eat vegetables.

[Galwaybay2]

Eating disorders are there for a reason, a way of managing feelings and self-soothing when other means are not available. It is a complex issue, no two people are the same and it is odd to think of it as an attempt to fix something when it is so sabotaging. Learning disabilities can often lead towards rigid and obsessive coping behaviours and restricting food is one amongst many. One way forward may be to find an accredited therapist who knows how to form a really good relationship with your sister to gently help her express feelings, this can be through private means, (eg. BACP website), but it costs money. In my experience, art therapy is an excellent way for those who may struggle to express themselves verbally, and it is sometimes available through Social Services learning disability teams. Disordered eating is so worrying in a family member that the whole family can be drawn into playing their part in it out of fear for the best reasons, but this can be unhelpful and The Maudsley in London have run groups for family members in the past, which you may be able to access online. Apart from the many books out there, BEAT is probably a good place to start.

[Brightlight1]

My close family member has LD, ADHD and eating issues where he will stop eating, then eat too much depending on his emotional state. It stems from his overwhelming stress, anxiety and negative self worth (bullying as a child) thus internal turning inwards of life events: death in the family, close family members who are sick, etc. He talks with a psychotherapist regularly. I make sure I am available to speak with him, and check in, to help him talk rather than turn towards food or no food, to know he he is loved and I give him space when needed. He also under doctor’s supervision and connection to organizations in my country that can support him and me.