We've been working with the BBC to feed the latest research into the BBC documentary presented by Christine McGuinness. The documentary explores new anorexia therapies based on research from Autistica.

Christine McGuinness: Unmasking My Autism follows 34-year-old Christine as she learns about what it means to be a late-diagnosed autistic woman. She became famous as the ex-wife of Paddy McGuinness and previously featured on a documentary about her autistic children. Our CEO Dr James Cusack was the main consultant for the show which airs this Wednesday.

Research issues explored

The show explores Christine's own challenges before and after her autism diagnosis, and those of other autistic women and girls. The documentary discusses many of the issues that our research focuses on including anxiety, anorexia, sensory issues, stigma and masking.

Anorexia in autistic women

The documentary explores new approaches to treating anorexia in autistic women. This came out of research funded by Autistica at University College London, Cardiff University and King's College London. Our study Treating anorexia in autistic women found that many women with severe restrictive eating disorders may be undiagnosed autistic. They also found that restrictive eating amongst autistic people is often due to sensory difficulties and distress caused by environments and people, rather than body image or weight gain.

The researchers have now developed workshops to educate clinicians in eating disorders services and consulted with NHS England to influence policy. This research also led to further resarch projects.

We're so pleased to see a programme on mainstream TV that highlights the needs of autistic women, and the value of research.

Watch the documentary on Wednesday 15 March, 9pm on BBC and BBC iPlayer.