Understanding autism comorbidities

Each autistic person will have their own unique experience of the condition. But researchers have identified some health concerns that often occur in people with autism. These are often referred to as co-occurring conditions or comorbidities. Identifying underlying comorbidities can help ensure that an autistic person receives the right support for their specific needs. 

What is a comorbidity?

Many people with autism live with co-occurring conditions or comorbidities. So in addition to having autism spectrum disorder (ASD), they have other mental, physical, or developmental conditions that may impact their lives. 

There are comorbidities for all different types of health concerns, not just autism. For example, two of the most common comorbidities seen in healthcare settings are high blood pressure and diabetes. As you might imagine, managing a person’s high blood pressure without addressing their diabetes would negatively affect their health outcomes. 

In the same way, if a person needs support for symptoms of autism, failing to address existing co-occurring conditions could make their treatment plan less effective. By taking a “whole person” approach to care, providers can help autistic people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.  

Common autism comorbidities

Having autism spectrum disorder doesn’t mean you’ll automatically develop a specific comorbidity. But research shows that being autistic might make you more likely to have one or more of the following co-occurring conditions:

• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Dyslexia 
• Dyspraxia
• Sleep problems like insomnia
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Anorexia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Learning differences
• Epilepsy
• Difficulty with flexibility and joint stiffness
• Skin that easily stretches or bruises
• Recurring digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation 

Why identifying comorbid conditions matters

People with autism require different levels of support, and these needs can change throughout their lives. But for these supports to be effective, providers must consider how comorbid conditions affect the autistic people they care for. 

While comorbidities can make the treatment planning process more complex, rest assured that your providers can work together to provide comprehensive care. By identifying any underlying comorbid conditions, they can help you identify the supports you need to improve your functioning and quality of life.

Exploring the link between autism and other mental health conditions

We do not yet know the underlying cause of autism. However, researchers have identified certain factors that may make a person more likely to develop the conditions that frequently occur with autism. These include:

• Genetic factors: Many mental health concerns that people experience with autism have a genetic component. Having a first-degree relative, like a sibling or parent, who also has depression or ADHD, for example, might make you more likely to develop the condition.
• Brain structure and function: Researchers are still working to understand how the structure of the brain impacts mental health. However, there is some evidence to suggest that neurotransmitter imbalances may contribute to the development of certain mental health conditions. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that affect everything from mood to sleep to digestion.
• Environmental stressors: Experiencing environmental stressors like trauma, especially at a young age, can impact a person’s mental health. This can also make it more difficult to develop healthy coping skills that can help people manage autism symptoms in their daily lives.

Remember, having any one of these risk factors does not automatically mean you’ll develop a comorbidity. But your health and family history are important parts of your story. Your providers can use this information to develop the right treatment plan for your unique needs.

How to manage autism comorbidities

If you have autism and a co-occurring condition, it’s important to work with a team of providers who will take a holistic approach to your care. This will ensure that you have support for both your physical and emotional well-being as your needs evolve. Depending on your symptoms, you may benefit from therapy, medication for conditions like anxiety or epilepsy, or other forms of support. 

Therapists who work with autistic people can modify traditional therapies to make them more effective for their autistic clients. For example, they can incorporate your interests and use concrete language and visual aids throughout the process. Rest assured that providers who work with autistic people frequently adapt their approach to reflect each client’s communication preferences and abilities.

In addition to therapy, many autistic people living with comorbidities can benefit from going to local or virtual support groups. If socialization is a challenge for you, know that with some practice and the right support, you can strengthen your support network.

Find care with Rula

If you’re an autistic person living with a co-occurring condition, you deserve holistic care that reflects all of your unique strengths and challenges. 

At Rula, we believe that finding the right mental health support shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why we built our therapist-matching program to allow you to connect with providers who take your insurance in just a few clicks. Whether you need therapy or medication management (or both), we’ll streamline the path to the specialized care you deserve. 

Find a therapist with Rula