Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders

Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders are health conditions that often occur along with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). These conditions can complicate the process of diagnosing and treating ASDs.

Overview

ASDs are a group of developmental disorders that affect a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. They include Autism, Asperger syndrome, and Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). People with ASDs often have other health conditions, or comorbidities, that can affect their quality of life and the effectiveness of their treatment.

Common Comorbid Conditions

Mental Health Disorders

Many people with ASDs also have mental health disorders. These can include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Physical Health Conditions

Physical health conditions that are often comorbid with ASDs include:

• Epilepsy
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Genetic disorders, such as Fragile X syndrome and Tuberous sclerosis

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing comorbid conditions in people with ASDs can be challenging, as the symptoms of these conditions can overlap with those of the ASDs themselves. However, it is important to identify and treat these conditions, as they can significantly impact a person's quality of life.

Treatment for comorbid conditions often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. The specific treatment plan will depend on the individual's symptoms and overall health.

See Also

• Autism spectrum disorders
• Mental health disorders
• Physical health conditions

References

Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders Resources
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