King's College London

Over 1.25 million people in the UK are affected by eating disorders, yet fewer than half fully recover (BEAT). Research shows that around one-third of people with eating disorders are Neurodivergent, but treatments are designed with neurotypical individuals in mind - limiting both their reach and effectiveness.

The PEACE Pathway has already pioneered autism-adapted eating disorder care, creating a foundation for more inclusive and responsive approaches. However, there remains a significant gap in addressing the unique needs of individuals with ADHD, despite strong links between ADHD features and eating difficulties. ADHD-related differences in attention, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and executive functioning can create distinctive treatment challenges often resulting lower engagement and poorer clinical outcomes. With diagnoses rising, particularly among women and undiagnosed adults, many neurodivergent people continue to face barriers to accessing care that fits their needs, deepening health disparities.

"We are delighted to receive support from One King’s Impact. Our strong multidisciplinary team, with a large network of collaborators, is passionate about developing eating disorder treatments for all. Unfortunately, neurodiversity in eating disorders, including ADHD, is often overlooked. Hopefully, this project will help us to minimize this gap.” - Professor Kate Tchanturia, Professor of Psychology in Eating Disorders.

What is PEACE + ?

PEACE+ builds on the success of the PEACE Pathway by expanding autism-informed resources and introducing ADHD-specific tools for individuals with eating disorders. The project takes a neuro-affirmative approach, co-designing materials that reflect the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals, while also supporting clinicians and families.

Key components of the PEACE+ toolkit include:

• Psychoeducation workbooks
• An expanded suite of autism resources, including guides, lived-experience stories, and short animations
• Induction videos to help introduce PEACE+ and guide users to adapted care
• An enhanced PEACE Pathway website featuring integrated, neurodivergent-adapted content
• New social media channels to engage and connect with neurodivergent communities

Expected Impact

PEACE+ will:

• Improve accessibility and engagement for Autistic and ADHD groups
• Help reduce health inequalities in ED treatment for Neurodivergent people
• Support clinicians with effective, tailored resources
• Promote awareness and advocacy via digital and community channels

Partners and Collaborators

A multidisciplinary network of partners from across and beyond King's is working together to maximise PEACE + impact. These include:

• King’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN)
• MSc and PhD students at King’s
• Michael Rutter Centre for Children & Adolescents: supporting age-specific adaptations.
• The Eating Disorders and Autism Collaborative Network: EDAC
• National OT Specialist Group (UK)
• Special Interest Group in Autism (SLaM NHS Trust)
• NHS England
• British Psychological Society & Royal College of Psychiatrists
• Scottish Government’s Mental Health Directorate
• BEAT – UK’s Leading ED Charity
• SLaM Recovery College
• Parliamentary Autism Advisory Group

Project Team

• Professor Kate Tchanturia, Project Lead 
• Dr Dimitri Chubinidze, Co-Lead
• Dr Nicoletta Adamo, Co-Lead
• Dr Fiona Duffy (University of Edinburgh), Partner 
• Ayse Gundogan (MSC Mental Health Studies Program King’s College London), Partner 
• Lauren Makin (King's PhD student), Partner
• Grace Kwao (King's Trainee Clinical Psychologist), Partner
• Aparna Menon Ajay (MSc Mental Health Studies Programme), Partner
• Catherine Perry (Peer support lead and therapist South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM)), Partner
• Hannah Warren, Engagement
• Emily Webb, Communications
• Professor Sally Marlow (Associate Dean for Impact at King's - IoPPN), Partner
• Erika Brodnock (Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence at King's), Partner
• Madeleine Oakley (PhD student King’s/Family therapist), Partner
• Emma Kinnaird /The Oxford Centre for Psychological Health Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Partner
• Danielle Glennon Trustee of BEAT (Eating Disorder Charity), Partner
• Karina Allen Consultant Psychologist (SLaM / KCL), Partner 

This project is supported by the One King’s Impact Fund.

The One King's Impact Fund is part of One King’s Impact, King’s strategic programme to support and accelerate work within and beyond the University which creates positive change for people, planet and society.

PEACE+ responds to the following Impact Priorities: 

Whole life health for mind and body | Technology for Good