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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
Autism and Schizophrenia
Did you know when autism was first described it was thought of as a version of childhood-onset schizophrenia? Today, we know that autism and schizophrenia are unrelated diagnoses with very different features. Understanding the overlap between autism and schizophrenia, however, remains important, as schizophrenia may be more common among autistic people than in the general population. One study suggests that autistic youth may be three to six times more likely to develop schizophrenia than allistic (AKA non-autistic) peers.
Read on to learn about these two diagnoses’ co-occurrence and how to get support.
Autism and Trauma: How They Intersect and How to Manage Trauma-Related Stress
For many people, fully understanding an autism diagnosis means unpacking their relationship to trauma. This was true for me after I was diagnosed with both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) in my late twenties.
Many autistic people experience trauma, which can affect them in distinct ways compared to neurotypical peers. For these individuals, digging into the relationship between autism and trauma can make a profound difference in regulating their nervous systems and improving their mental health. For me, my autism and CPTSD diagnoses have been equally revelatory and often intertwined. Exploring the relationship between the two has helped me better understand myself and tangibly improve my quality of life.
Read on to learn about the link between autism and trauma-related disorders, as well as how to cope.
Navigating Autism and Anxiety: Understanding the Unique Challenges Faced by Autistic Adults
It’s normal to feel anxious sometimes—but what if anxiety gets in the way of your day-to-day life? For nearly half of autistic people, severe anxiety disorders are a reality. Anxiety disorders come with psychological and physical symptoms that can be distressing and even make it difficult to function every day. For an autistic person, they can make common stressors like sensory and social stress even harder to manage. Understanding the relationship between autism and anxiety can help an autistic adult better understand themself and get support that makes a difference.
