Medical Conditions Associated with Autism
A range of physical and mental-health conditions frequently accompany autism. They include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) problems
- Epilepsy
- Feeding issues
- Disrupted sleep
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar Disorder
Autism and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders
GI disorders are nearly eight times more common among children with autism than other children.
They commonly include:
- Chronic constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Bowel inflammation
Also see: ATN/AIR-P Guide for Managing Constipation in Children
Autism and epilepsy
Red flags include:
Less-specific signs can include:
Treatment of epilepsy is crucial to prevent brain damage.
Also see these ATN/AIR-P Guidebooks:
- Having an Electroencephalogram (EEG): A Guide for Parents
- Having an Electroencephalogram (EEG): A Guide for Providers (caring for people with autism)
Epilepsy Resources
Below are some resources and websites that may be helpful to individuals with both diagnoses and their families:
Explaining Seizures to Children with Epilepsy and Their Peers
Sometimes it can be difficult for children to understand what is happening when they are having a seizure. In addition, it can be very scary for their peers or friends who witness them. Autism Speaks has put together Visual Stories to explain to children how people with epilepsy are just like everyone else!
Visual Story for Children with Epilepsy
Visual Story for Peers of Children with Epilepsy
If a family member suffers from seizures, you may want to consider a medical alert bracelet that can inform first responders of the seizure disorder and any medications that the individual may take. There are a variety of options available on the internet.
Autism and feeding/eating issues
Feeding and eating problems affect around 7 out of 10 children with autism.
Pica – the eating of non-food items – is a particularly dangerous tendency often associated with autism. It appears to be most common among those severely affected by autism. See ATN/AIR-P’s Pica: A Guide for Parents.
Many autism clinics – such as those in the Autism Speaks ATN – have specialized feeding programs staffed by behavioral therapists and nutritionists. Outside such programs, some speech, behavioral and occupational therapists can help.
You can find helpful strategies in Exploring Feeding Behavior in Autism
Autism and disrupted sleep
- Strategies to Improve Sleep in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Sleep Strategies for Teens with Autism
- Melatonin and Sleep Problems in ASD: An ATN/AIR-P Guide for Parents
Autism and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Treatment may include behavioral strategies and in some cases medication for ADHD.
Autism and anxiety
Anxiety can be diagnosed by a medical professional.
Treatments include behavioral interventions including cognitive behavioral therapy programs adapted for people with autism. In some cases anti-anxiety medication may also be helpful.
Also see:
- Managing anxiety in children with autism
- Easing anxiety in children with autism and limited verbal skills
Autism and depression
Treatments may include cognitive behavioral therapy and in some cases anti-depressional medications.
Also see: What's the connection between autism and depression?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Research suggests that OCD is more common among teens and adults with autism than it is in the general population.
However, it can be difficult to distinguish OCD symptoms from the repetitive behaviors and restricted interests that are a hallmark of autism.
If you suspect that you or your child has developed OCD in addition to autism, we encourage you to seek evaluation by a mental health provider who has experience with both conditions.
Also see: A parent wonders: Are new repetitive behaviors OCD or ‘just autism’
Autism and Schizophrenia
Autism and schizophrenia both involve challenges with processing language and understanding other people’s thoughts and feelings. Clear differences include schizophrenia’s psychosis which often involves hallucinations. In addition, autism’s core symptoms typically emerge between ages 1 -3 years; schizophrenia emerges in early adulthood.
Treatments: Anti-psychotic medications
Autism and Bipolar Disorder
People with bipolar disorder tend to alternate between a frenzied state known as mania and episodes of depression.
It is important to understand the symptoms of true bipolar disorder from those of autism by looking at when the symptoms appeared and how long they lasted. For example, a child with autism may be consistently high-energy and socially intrusive through childhood. As such, her tendency to talk to strangers and make inappropriate comments are likely part of her autism, and not a symptom of a manic mood swing.
Treatments: Some of the medications used to treat bipolar disorder can be problematic for some with autism who has difficulty recognizing and expressing feelings. A psychiatrist can provide additional medications that may be safer.
Some of these conditions are described more extensively in Autism and Health: A special report by Autism Speaks.