Autism & Other Comorbidities
From Anxiety to Epilepsy: Common Conditions Found with Autism
Did you know that approximately 92 percent of children with autism meet the criteria for at least one non-autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis? Unfortunately, autism is a disorder that comes with a number of comorbidities, or co-occurring conditions. I addressed the overlap of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) here, but what are some of the other common comorbidities that we should be aware of?
In this article, I'll go through a number of comorbidities related to autism and provide evidence, statistics, and reputable sources to back up the information and claims made. As always, I encourage everyone to do their own research and come to their own conclusions. Note that the list below is in no particular order other than alphabetical, and that it may not be an exhaustive list of all comorbidities relating to autism (although I tried to be as exhaustive as I could).
Terms to Know
ASD: Abbreviation for Autism Spectrum Disorder
DSM: Abbreviation for The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the taxonomic and diagnostic tool published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA)
Neurodivergent: People who are on the spectrum.
Neurotypical: People who are not on the spectrum.
Alexithymia
Alexithymia is when someone has trouble identifying, experiencing, and expressing their emotions, as well as recognizing emotions in others. It's sometimes referred to "emotional blindness," and men are more likely to have alexithymia than women. Up to half of autistic people experience alexithymia, making it difficult for them to be in touch with their own emotions.
Scientists aren't sure why autistic people are more likely to be alexithymic, but some speculate that it could be due to the fact that autistic people have different brain structures than neurotypical people. Others speculate that it could be a distinctive personality trait related to autism.
Rates of Alexithymia in the General US Population: 4.89%
Estimated Rates of Alexithymia in Autistic People: Up to 49.9%
Here are some additional studies on the overlap of alexithymia and autism:
"Alexithymia is common in ASD, both low and high-functioning... Most importantly however, there is also much trait overlap between alexithymia and ASD" (Poquerusse et al., 2018).
"Alexithymia is known to be much more common in adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) compared with the typically developing (TD) adult population... We find that alexithymia is substantially elevated in ASD on both self- and parent-report measures" (Griffin et al., 2016).
"There was also a higher prevalence of alexithymia in the ASD group (49.93% compared to 4.89%), with a significantly increased risk of alexithymia in autistic participants" (Kinnaird et al., 2019).
Anxiety/Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
General anxiety is quite common in autistic people, perhaps because they are "fully aware they’re struggling in ways their peers may not be, and that they have some sensitivities and issues that their peers may not," as clinical psychologist Dr. Jephtha Tausig put it. Anxiety may also manifest in many ways like phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety -- all of which will be discussed later on in this article.
Rates of Anxiety Disorders in the General US Population: 2.7% to 19.1%
Estimated Rates of Anxiety Disorders in Autistic People: 20.1% to 56%
Here are some additional studies on the overlap of anxiety and autism:
"Approximately 92% of children met criteria for at least one non-autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (78% attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, 58% oppositional defiant disorder, 56% anxiety, 30% mood)" (Brookman-Frazee et al., 2017).
"Anxiety disorders were diagnosed in 20.1% of adults with ASD compared with 8.7% of controls (RR = 2.62 [95% CI 2.47–2.79]), with greatest risk for autistic people without intellectual disability" (Nimmo-Smith et al., 2020).
"Across studies, 39.6% of young people with ASD had at least one comorbid DSM-IV anxiety disorder" (Steensel et al., 2011).
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
There is such a significant overlap between autism and ADHD that it gets its own page:
Autism & ADHD: The AuDHD Among Us
Did you know that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are comorbid, or often found together? Essentially, if you have either autism or ADHD, you probably want to get evaluated for the other just because they are so often co-occurring. Having both is often referred to as being AuDHD — the combination of auti…
Chronic Pain Conditions
An increasing number of recent studies are showing that chronic pain conditions (including autoimmune disorders) are often comorbid with autism. On top of that, women and those assigned female at birth have higher rates of chronic pain than men or those assigned male at birth.
It's not clear why there is such an overlap between autism and chronic pain conditions, but some speculate that because many autistic people have hypo- and hyper-sensitivities (being under- or over-sensitive to certain stimuli), this can also impact their lives in other areas.
Rates of Chronic Pain Conditions in the General US Population: 21%
Estimated Rates of Chronic Pain Conditions in Autistic People: 55% to 76.6%
Here are some additional studies on the overlap of chronic pain conditions and autism:
"Of the patients with autism, 55% presented to the clinic with widespread pain, 69% were assigned female at birth, and 17% identified as transgender or gender expansive" (Han et al., 2024).
"A large majority of [women with ASD and/or ADHD] (76.6%) reported chronic pain. [Health-related quality of life] was low overall and lower still for those reporting chronic pain" (Asztély et al., 2019).
"The prevalence of significant autistic traits, fibromyalgia and hypermobility were all much greater than expected at 63.4%, 40.6% and 43.7% respectively... Fibromyalgia was significantly associated with autistic traits" (Ryan et al., 2023).
Depression
Depression is extremely common among autistic adults, as people with autism are four times more likely to experience depression in their lifetime compared to neurotypical control groups. A survey by the National Autistic Society in the UK found that 83 percent of autistic people reported experiencing depression.
Reasons for high rates of depression among autistics may vary, but some scientists speculate that higher rates of being bullied during childhood and adolescence may play a role. Other studies suggest that "everyday discrimination, internalized stigma, and concealment [camouflage and masking]" may also contribute to higher rates of depression among autistics.
Rates of Depression in the General US Population: 6.7%
Estimated Rates of Depression in Autistic People: 14.4% to 28.5% (although including self-reported depressive issues can make that number rise to 48.6%)
Here are some additional studies on the overlap of depression and autism:
"In conclusion, we found that the rates of depressive disorders are high among individuals with ASD. Compared to typically developing individuals, individuals with ASD are 4-times more likely to experience depression in their lifetime" (Hudson et al., 2019).
"Individuals with ASD have increased rates of depression compared to the general population... Findings help pinpoint susceptibilities in ASD that may confer increased risk for depression" (Unruh et al., 2021).
"In line with previous research, there are more autistic traits, more worries and less perceived control in those that are known with a history of depression. Moreover, there is, as expected, a direct relation between autism and depression" (van Heijst et al., 2019).
Eating Disorders
Many autistic people struggle with eating disorders, both eating too little (anorexia) and eating too much (binge eating), as well as avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). It's speculated that because autistic people have trouble with interoception (the process of perceiving senses inside the body like thirst, hunger, fullness, and pain), it's harder for them to eat intuitively.
Rates of Eating Disorders in the General US Population: 5%
Estimated Rates of Eating Disorders in Autistic People: Up to 70.4%
Here are some additional studies on the overlap of eating disorders and autism:
"Atypical eating behaviors were significantly more common in autism (70.4%) than in children with other disorders (13.1%) and typical children (4.8%)" (Mayes & Zickgraf, 2019).
"Greater autistic social traits in childhood could represent a risk factor for the development of disordered eating in adolescence" (Solmi et al., 2020).
"We reported for the first time that not only [anorexia] but also [bulimia] and [binge eating disorder] patients show greater autistic traits compared to [control group]" (Gesi et. al, 2020).
"Autistic traits or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be found in 4% to 52% of anorexic patients, which makes the treatment of these patients very challenging" (Tololeski et al., 2021).
Epilepsy and Seizures
We've known about the link between autism and epilepsy for a while now (the earliest study I could find dated back to 1971), but scientists still aren't quite sure why there is such an overlap. Some scientists speculate that it may be due to "genomic copy number variation or mutations in single genes" as both have been associated with autism and epilepsy.
Rates of Epilepsy in the General US Population: 1.2%
Estimated Rates of Epilepsy in Autistic People: Up to 46%
Here are some additional studies on the overlap of epilepsy and autism:
"Based on a representative sample of children with ASD, the average prevalence of epilepsy is approximately 12% and reaches 26% by adolescence" (Viscidi et al., 2013).
"...Our approach was to look at a range of severity factors relevant to ASD and to look for correlations between each severity factor and epilepsy, within two large samples of children with ASD. In summary, we found that each severity factor... independently predicted a small increased risk for epilepsy" (Ewen et al., 2019).
Gastrointestinal Issues
Most autistic people experience some degree of gastrointestinal issues (GI). The most commonly reported problems are constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Constipation has also found to be a common issue, with one study revealing that 85 percent of autistic children experience constipation. It's not clear why so many autistics suffer from GI, but some speculate it could be due to a different gut microbiome or the increased amount of stress and anxiety that autistic people live with.
Rates of Gastrointestinal Issues in the General US Population: 21%
Estimated Rates of Gastrointestinal Issues in Autistic People: 9% to 91%
Here are some additional studies on the overlap of gastrointestinal issues and autism:
"Results indicate greater prevalence of [gastrointestinal] symptoms among children with ASD compared with control children" (McElhanon et al., 2014).
"The prevalence of [gastrointestinal] symptoms in children with ASD varies from 9-91%. The most comprehensive meta-analysis to date revealed that children with ASD were more than four-fold more likely to develop GI problems than those without ASD and, further, that constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain are reported most commonly" (Madra et al., 2020).
"Functional constipation was the most common type of GID in children with ASD (85.0%)... Presence of GID in children with ASD was not associated with distinct dietary habits or medication status" (Gorrindo et al., 2012).
Insomnia and Sleep Troubles
Many autistic people experience insomnia and other sleep disturbances, including trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, waking up early, and daytime fatigue due to poor sleep. Worse yet, traditional sleep medications like melatonin and sedatives may not work as well in autistic people, according to one study: "Limited evidence exists regarding the use and efficacy of medications for the treatment of sleep disorders in [autistic children]."
Rates of Insomnia in the General US Population: 30%
Estimated Rates of Insomnia in Autistic People: 39% to 80%
Here are some additional studies on the overlap of insomnia and autism:
"Approximately 50% to 80% of children and adolescents with ASD suffer from sleep problems in comparison to 20-30% in neurotypical (NT) children" (Xavier, 2021).
"In line with the assumption that sleep problems in ASD are not limited to childhood but persist throughout development, the average [Insomnia Severity Index] score within the present sample was indicative of moderate insomnia" (Hohn et al., 2019).
"Sleep problems are more than twice as common in young children with ASD and DD w/ASD" (Reynolds et al., 2019).
Intellectual Disabilities
Those with autism are more likely to have some form of intellectual disability compared to the average population. This typically means an individual has an intelligence quotient (IQ) of 70 to 75, although a score is no longer needed for a diagnosis of intellectual disability. Additionally, those autistic people with intellectual disabilities are much more likely to get diagnosed than those without (likely due to masking and compensating). It should be noted, however, that most autistic people still have an average to above average IQ, and remember that intellectual disability is not a requirement for an ASD diagnosis.
Rates of Intellectual Disabilities in the General US Population: 2.13%
Estimated Rates of Intellectual Disabilities in Autistic People: 31% to 37.9%
Here are some additional studies on the overlap of intellectual disabilities and autism:
"Among the nine sites with sufficient data on intellectual ability, 31% of children with ASD were classified in the range of intellectual disability (intelligence quotient [IQ] <70), 25% were in the borderline range (IQ 71-85), and 44% had IQ scores in the average to above average range (i.e., IQ >85)" (Baio et al., 2018).
"Among the 4,165 (66.7%) children with ASD with information on cognitive ability, 37.9% were classified as having an intellectual disability" (Maenner et al., 2020).
Mood Disorders
The term "mood disorders" refers to a wide range of disorders that unsurprisingly affect mood. This might include anxiety and depression, but could also refer to a number of other disorders. Autistic people who have no intellectual disability seem most prone to developing mood disorders. Some researchers speculate that since they are able to understand and be aware of their own impairments but not fix them, this leads to increased mental health troubles. Others suggest that accumulated stresses of living with autism can also contribute to mood disorders.
Rates of Mood Disorders in the General US Population: 21.4%
Estimated Rates of Mood Disorders in Autistic People: 30% to 91%
Here are some additional studies on the overlap of mood disorders and autism:
"Approximately 92% of children met criteria for at least one non-autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (78% attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, 58% oppositional defiant disorder, 56% anxiety, 30% mood)" (Brookman-Frazee et al., 2017).
"In our study group, 70% had experienced at least one episode of major depression, and 50% had suffered from recurrent depressive episodes. Anxiety disorders were seen in about 50%... In conclusion, young adults with autism spectrum disorders are at high risk for mood and anxiety disorders" (Lugnegard et al., 2011).
"Ninety-one percent of children/adolescents [with ASD] and thirty-one percent of young adults [with ASD] were diagnosed with one or more co-occurring diagnoses using the [Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)]" (Mosner et al., 2020).
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a long-lasting disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. For that reason, it's perhaps not that surprising that a higher proportion of autistic people experience OCD as compared to the general population. In fact, studies have found that people in treatment for OCD often have a high number of autistic traits.
Rates of OCD in the General US Population: 0.47% to 2.3%
Estimated Rates of OCD in Autistic People: 3.43% to 17.4%
Here are some additional studies on the overlap of OCD and autism:
"Across studies, 39.6% of young people with ASD had at least one comorbid DSM-IV anxiety disorder, the most frequent being specific phobia (29.8%) followed by OCD (17.4%) and social anxiety disorder (16.6%)" (van Steensel et al., 2011).
"There is a high prevalence of previously undiagnosed ASD in patients with OCD. ASD traits are associated with greater OCD symptom-severity and poor insight" (Wikramanayake et al., 2018).
"The high comorbidity, sequential risk, and shared familial risks between OCD and autism spectrum disorders are suggestive of partially shared etiological mechanisms between these severe mental disorders" (Meier et al., 2015).
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
The DSM-V describes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) as "a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness lasting at least 6 months." ODD is a tricky disorder when it comes to autism because autistic people might have many of the symptoms of ODD, but not for the same reasons. For example, an autistic person might seem argumentative, but they're actually trying to understand the reasoning behind why a decision was made instead of deliberately trying to obstructive.
Rates of ODD in the General US Population: 2% to 11%
Estimated Rates of ODD in Autistic People: 28.1% to 58%
Here are some additional studies about the overlap between ODD and autism:
"Approximately 92% of children met criteria for at least one non-autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (78% attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, 58% oppositional defiant disorder, 56% anxiety, 30% mood)" (Brookman-Frazee et al., 2017).
"Seventy percent of [autistic study group] had at least one comorbid disorder and 41% had two or more. The most common diagnoses were social anxiety disorder (29.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI)] 13.2-45.1), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (28.2%, 95% CI 13.3-43.0), and oppositional defiant disorder (28.1%, 95% CI 13.9-42.2)" (Simonoff et al., 2008).
"The DSM-5 tripartite model of ODD appears to be generalisable to ASD: for people with an autistic disorder, [angry and irritable symptoms], [argumentative and defiant behavior] and vindictive dimensions of oppositionality have distinct associations with concurrent psychopathology, suggesting the need to assess them as separate constructs" (Mandy et al., 2014).
Panic Disorders
People with panic disorder may have frequent and unexpected panic attacks characterized by a sudden wave of fear, discomfort, or a sense of losing control even when there is no clear danger or trigger. Women are more likely to develop panic disorders than men. People with autism are thought to have higher rates of panic disorders, although panic disorders also may be difficult to differentiate from meltdowns and shutdowns, which are common in autistics.
Rates of Panic Disorders in the General US Population: 2.7% to 4.7%
Estimated Rates of Panic Disorders in Autistic People: No concrete data available, although one study found that autistic people are about three times as likely as the general population to experience panic disorders.
"In addition, social-phobic, obsessive-compulsive and panic-agoraphobic spectrum symptoms were always found to be higher in ASD subjects, second only to the group with a diagnosis matching the spectrum under investigation" (Amatori, 2023).
"Adults with ASD without [intellectual disability] had higher adjusted risks of panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, PTSD, somatoform disorders and mixed anxiety and depression" (Nimmo-Smith, 2020).
Phobias
Phobias are uncontrollable, irrational, and persistent fears of something, often an object, situation, or activity. Like so many other conditions, autistic people seem to be disproportionately affected by phobias compared to the general population. This may have something to do with the prevalence of anxiety in autistic people (as anxiety can lead to the development of phobias), but we don't know for sure.
Rates of Phobias in the General US Population: 9.1% to 12.5%
Estimated Rates of Phobias in Autistic People: Up to 30%
Here are some additional studies on the overlap of phobias and autism:
"Across studies, 39.6% of young people with ASD had at least one comorbid DSM-IV anxiety disorder, the most frequent being specific phobia (29.8%) followed by OCD (17.4%) and social anxiety disorder (16.6%)" (van Steensel et al., 2011).
"Anxiety is common in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), with specific fears and phobias one of the most frequent subtypes. Specific fears and phobias can have a serious impact on young people with ASD and their families" (Maskey et al., 2014).
A recent systematic review revealed that approximately 40% of patients with autism spectrum disorders are assigned at least one comorbid diagnosis of anxiety, the most frequent being specific phobia (30%)" (Meier et al., 2015).
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event like a sexual assault, car crash, natural disaster, or combat during warfare. It can lead to flashbacks, night terrors, anxiety, and substance abuse. Autistic adults are four times more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD than adults without ASD. Furthermore, although women are more likely to develop PTSD than men, in autistic populations, men are more likely to develop PTSD than women for reasons yet unknown.
Why autistic people are more likely to develop PTSD is unclear, although some researchers suggest that just being autistic in a neurotypical world is traumatic in and of itself, referring to it as "the experience of having autism and the trauma associated with that."
Rates of PTSD in the General US Population: 3.6% to 6.8%
Estimated Rates of PTSD in Autistic People: Up to 60%
Here are some additional studies about the overlap of PTSD and autism:
"Adults with ASD without [intellectual disability] had higher adjusted risks of panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, PTSD, somatoform disorders and mixed anxiety and depression" (Nimmo-Smith, 2020).
"Clinical and scientific data show a higher risk of adverse events and trauma in people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)... Adults with ASD are more than four times likely to be diagnosed with PTSD than adults without ASD" (Lobregt-van Buuren et al., 2021).
"Autistic adults experienced a wide range of life events as traumatic, with over 40% showing probable PTSD within the last month and over 60% reporting probable PTSD at some point in their lifetime" (Rumball et al., 2020).
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a much more severe form of better-known premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Think of it as PMS on steroids, and not in a good way. While both PMS and PMDD may lead to bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, and irritability, PMDD tends to have more severe side effects, including panic attacks, extreme fatigue, feelings of overwhelm, and even suicidal ideation. Women with autism are far more likely than the general population to experience PMDD.
Reasons and causes for PMDD in general are unknown, although many researchers suggest that genetics, hormone sensitivity, and/or sensory sensitivity may play a role.
Rates of PMDD in the General US Population: 3%
Estimated Rates of PMDD in Autistic Women: 21% to 92%
Here are some additional studies on the overlap of PMDD and autism:
"Using a premenstrual increase in DSM-IV symptoms of ≥ 30% as evidence of fulfilment of diagnostic criteria, the prevalence of late luteal phase dysphoric disorder [PMDD] was 92% in the autism group compared with 11% in the control group" (Obaydi & Puri, 2008).
Seventy-nine percent of the adults with ASD have experienced any psychiatric disorder once in their lives... notable is the high percentage of females meeting criteria for a premenstrual dysphoric disorder (21%)" (Lever & Geurts, 2016).
Social Anxiety Disorder
It's well-known and probably unsurprising that many autistic people have trouble with social interactions. As I've touched on before, neurotypical people are less willing to interact with those with autism, neurotypical people react less favorably toward autistic people, and autistic people are viewed as deceptive and lacking credibility (even when telling the truth). For that reason, and more, it’s really no wonder that a good percentage of autistic folks develop social anxiety disorder.
Rates of Social Anxiety in the General US Population: 7% to 13%
Estimated Rates of Social Anxiety in Autistic People: 16.6% to 50% (some state that the upper number might be as high as 84%, but I can't find the study to back up that claim)
Here are some additional studies on the overlap of social anxiety and autism:
"Adolescents with [high-functioning autism (HFA)/autism spectrum (AS)] scored higher than the community sample on all measures. Behavioural avoidance and evaluative social anxiety increased by age within the HFA/AS group, whereas behavioural avoidance decreased by age in control participants. Data support that HFA/AS in adolescents may be associated with clinically relevant social anxiety symptoms" (Kuusikko et al., 2008).
"[Social anxiety (SA)], in individuals with ASD, was associated with poorer social skills and functioning, and reduced social motivation... These findings support the notion that there are links between core ASD characteristics and SA" (Spain et al., 2018).
"A large subset (50%) of the adults with ASD met diagnostic criteria for [social anxiety disorder (SAD)]... Findings demonstrate that many adults with ASD are aware of their social difficulties and experience impairing social anxiety" (Maddox & White, 2015).
"Seventy percent of [autistic study group] had at least one comorbid disorder and 41% had two or more. The most common diagnoses were social anxiety disorder (29.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI)] 13.2-45.1), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (28.2%, 95% CI 13.3-43.0), and oppositional defiant disorder (28.1%, 95% CI 13.9-42.2)" (Simonoff et al., 2008).
Substance Use Disorders/Addiction Problems
Autistic people are at greater risk for substance use disorders as compared to the general population. This may be because they use substances both as a way to self-medicate and to try to fit in better with their peers. It should be noted however that a 2021 study found that "autistic individuals might be less likely than non-autistic individuals to report engaging in substance misuse," so there seems to be some conflicting information out there.
I personally have had my own struggles with alcohol use disorder, which I discussed in my blog post A Knight in Shining Armor.
Rates of Substance Use Disorder in the General US Population: 16.7%
Estimated Rates of Substance Use Disorder in Autistic People: Up to 36%
Here are some additional studies on the overlap of substance abuse disorders/addiction problems and autism:
"ASD, without diagnosed comorbidity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or intellectual disability, was related to a doubled risk of substance use-related problems. The risk of substance use-related problems was the highest among individuals with ASD and ADHD" (Butwicka et al., 2017).
"Recent studies suggest that up to 36% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder may have a co-occurring issue with substance abuse" (Ressel et al., 2020).
"These findings suggest that patients with ASD are vulnerable to the development of substance use disorder, and the use of psychotropic agents for autism is associated with a decreased risk of substance use disorder" (Huang et al., 2021).
Suicidal Ideation
Autistic people are much more likely to consider suicide compared to the general population with up to 66 percent of autistic adults experiencing suicidal ideation. Suicide is also one of the main reasons that autistic people have shorter life expectancies than the general population. Additionally, at least one study has found that autistic people with higher IQs are more likely to contemplate suicide.
It's believed that a number of factors relating to autism contribute to the increased percentage of suicidal ideation, including mental health problems, trauma, masking, camouflaging, and social isolation. If you are having suicidal thoughts yourself, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Unfortunately, I’ve had my own struggles with suicidal ideation, as touched on in my blog post A Knight in Shining Armor.
Rates of Suicidal Ideation in the General US Population: 4.3%
Estimated Rates of Suicidal Ideation in Autistic People: 19.7% to 66%
Here are some more studies on the overlap of suicidal ideation and autism:
"Evidence of autism (10.8%) was significantly higher in those who died by suicide... Elevated autistic traits are significantly over-represented in those who die by suicide" (Cassidy et al., 2022).
"Adults with [ASD] were significantly more likely to report lifetime experience of suicidal ideation than were individuals from a general UK population sample... Our findings lend support to anecdotal reports of increased rates of suicidal ideation in adults with [ASD], and depression as an important potential risk factor for suicidality in adults with this condition" (Cassidy et al., 2014).
"These data suggest that suicidality in autistic people with ADHD may be partially related to perceived burdensomeness and to acquired suicide capability after exposure to painful and provocative events" (Moseley et al., 2024).
"The findings suggest that high levels of autistic traits may frequently be present in adults who have attempted suicide, and that [autism quotient] scores are higher in those with a history of more than one suicide attempt" (Richards et al., 2019).
Summing it Up: The Complexity of Autism and Its Comorbidities
Understanding autism and its struggles means recognizing that it rarely exists in isolation. With an estimated 92% of autistic individuals experiencing at least one additional diagnosis, it’s clear that autism is often accompanied by a range of physical, neurological, and mental health conditions. These comorbidities — whether anxiety, ADHD, chronic pain, epilepsy, depression, or even suicidal ideation — add layers of complexity and difficulty to the autistic experience.
Rather than viewing autism as a singular condition, we must acknowledge the broad spectrum (pun intended) of challenges that come with it. Each autistic person’s experience is unique, shaped by the presence of other disorders that can impact their daily life, well-being, and quality of life. Recognizing these overlaps can lead to better healthcare, more effective treatment plans, and greater empathy from society as a whole.
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