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Autism and Related Conditions Resources: Connections, Challenges, and Care
Autism often exists alongside other conditions, known as co-occurring conditions, which can affect physical health, mental well-being, and daily functioning. Understanding the relationship between autism and these conditions is essential for providing comprehensive care and support. This resource page delves into the most common co-occurring conditions, such as social anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and more. Here, you’ll find insights into how these conditions interact with autism, strategies for management, and resources to help individuals and families navigate these complex challenges with confidence and compassion.
Recent Articles
Sensory Processing Disorder in Adults: What It Feels Like
Let’s say you’re taking a walk, enjoying the bright sunshine and fresh air, when suddenly, a loud, smelly garbage truck speeds by. For most neurotypical people, it’s just a brief hiccup in their otherwise peaceful stroll.
But for adults with sensory processing disorder—or the more affirming, sensory processing differences—the truck’s fleeting noise and stench can cause sensory overload, thus destroying whatever pleasure they might’ve been getting from their morning walk.
Sensory processing disorder presents a tricky situation for adults, because while it is a very real condition, it is not a formal diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5-TR). But this grey area doesn’t diminish how difficult and potentially isolating sensory overwhelm can be as an adult.
In this article, we’ll explain what sensory processing disorder is, why it’s not a formal diagnosis, how it can present in adults, how it relates to autism, and what supports exist for those who experience sensory overload.
Understanding The Link Between POTS and Autism
Many autistic individuals report experiences with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a disorder of the autonomic nervous system. Although there has been some research on comorbid autism and POTS, science is yet to reveal much about the two diagnoses’ relationship. However, we know that they have some overlapping features, and that people with either diagnosis can benefit from support strategies. Read on to learn more about what we know about POTS and autism.
Understanding Autism and Seizures: A Guide for Autistic Adults
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and seizures are two conditions that often overlap. Current research estimates that 26% of autistic individuals over the age of 13 also have epilepsy, compared to 1% of the non-autistic population. Understanding this link is crucial for improved diagnosis, care and quality of life.
While we know that there is a link between autism and seizures, particularly epileptic seizures, the reason for the link is still unclear. Since studies show that the siblings of autistic individuals are also more likely to have epilepsy, it’s hypothesized that epilepsy and ASD may share some of the same genetic markers. Further, up to 80% of autistic individuals, when given an EEG (a test that measures electrical activity in the brain), had abnormal results, even if they’d had no observable seizures. This means that both epilepsy and autism can cause abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
That said, while autistic people are more likely than neurotypical people to have epilepsy, and people with epilepsy are more likely to be autistic than someone without epilepsy, there is no research to suggest that one condition causes the other.
Recognizing and addressing seizures in autistic individuals can have a major impact on daily functioning, development and well-being. Awareness empowers families and professionals to seek appropriate interventions and advocate for supportive care strategies tailored to each person's needs. If you think you may have had a seizure, seek emergency medical care immediately and speak with your medical doctor, or physician about your concerns. The information provided below regarding seizures has not been reviewed for accuracy by a physician or medical provider and is not intended to serve as medical advice.
