What Health Problems are Associated with Autism?

A surprisingly common yet wildly underdiagnosed condition associated with autism is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). EDS is a disorder of the connective tissues, in which collagen production is hindered. Externally, what this looks like is hypermobility (often referred to as being “double jointed”), which often results in sprains, strains, and dislocated joints. Internally, it can cause weakening of muscles and fascia, resulting in hernias and assorted other issues like weakening of the heart. Severe chronic pain is also associated with this syndrome.

Epilepsy and movement or tic disorders are also commonly linked to autism. Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which uncontrolled electrical impulses (seizures) cause movement or thought dysfunction, and co-occurs in up to 46% of autists, and can come in a variety of forms like absence and motor. Tic disorders like Tourette Syndrome can look like epilepsy but do not involve the electrical patterns in the brain.

Dysautonomia and immune system dysfunction are another set of disorders that are more prevalent in autistic people. Dysautonomia refers to a set of disorders that involve dysfunction autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions like heartbeat, breathing, and digestion. Symptoms can show up in many different forms, like heartbeat arrhythmia, dysregulated blood pressure, or poor temperature regulation.