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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
Alexithymia and Autism
Everyone will, at some point in their lives, find themselves at a loss for words when describing how they’re feeling. When it occurs on occasion, it’s human nature. However, if the challenge to name or express emotions is a prevailing theme in someone’s life, it may be a sign of alexithymia. While primary alexithymia is relatively uncommon, the odds of having alexithymia traits are much higher in autistic people.
OCD and Autism: Understanding the Difference
On the surface, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can look similar. While both diagnoses commonly co-occur, they are distinct diagnoses that come with unique experiences. Many people find it difficult to distinguish between OCD and autism because of their shared traits, as well as widespread misinformation about both diagnoses.
Understanding where ASD and OCD overlap and diverge is invaluable. This knowledge allows individuals to seek relevant, tailored support and clinical providers to make appropriate diagnoses.
Read on to learn more about autism, OCD, and their similarities and differences.
Understanding AuDHD: What is AuDHD, and what support is available?
The term AuDHD has come into increasingly popular use in recent years. Rates of new autism and ADHD diagnoses have grown since the turn of the century, likely in response to growing awareness around ADHD and autism, as well as changes to diagnostic criteria for both. As these rates have risen, an increasing proportion of people have received both diagnoses. AuDHD, the term coined to describe this dual diagnosis, represents a unique set of experiences, strengths and challenges. Understanding these nuances is key to supporting neurodivergent people in our lives, and making truly holistic, neurodiversity-affirming mental health care more widely available.
