Many autotrophs make food through the process of photosynthesis, in which light energy from the sun is changed to chemical energy that is stored in glucose. All organisms use cellular respiration to break down glucose, release its energy, and make ATP. Autotrophs are also called producers. They produce food not only for themselves but for all other living things as well (which are known as consumers). This is why autotrophs form the basis of food chains.
Yes, autotrophs need to perform cellular respiration.