Autism, when viewed through the eyes of others, can often be miscued, but they’re, in fact, a normal part of life. Its a spectrum disorder that shows its symptoms in many variations and people with the condition experience their autism individually. They operate on different social rules, express their thoughts in their way, move and coordinate differently, and process their senses according to how they’re able to interpret the world. Depending on the level of their autism, some might need help living their lives daily, which can leave them socially isolated and outside the perspective of typical people working, driving, caring for their home, and even going outside. Autism greatly affects how people interact with the world, and that’s perfectly normal.
For parents with autistic children or adults with autism, the experiences can vary. Still, throughout many studies, those with autism also have specific risks of developing other health conditions alongside the developmental disability. The list of issues below can interact and overlap with autism. According to the Autism Research Program, the prevalence of medical and psychiatric conditions can be higher and exacerbated over time. The health complications that accompany autism include a wide range of conditions, including:
Asthma/Allergies
Asthma and allergies are common respiratory disorders, but autism and asthma have shown some correlation. Asthma is considered an immune-mediated disorder, and individuals with ASD can develop an imbalance between the immune system and the inflammatory process.
Diabetes
Diabetes before hasn’t been linked to autism. Still, in a recent study conducted by PubMed back in 2015, children with autism have a higher rate of developing diabetes, as the frequency of diabetes among autistic children, with more research needed into the topic to learn more about the biological factors influencing this correlation.
Obesity
Obesity, and autism can create health problems as symptoms of the disability. Those with autism are 1.5 times more likely to be obese and three times more likely to become regularly constipated. This condition’s causes can be related to their restricted eating interests and even the effects of drugs used to dismay autistic symptoms.
Seizures/Epilepsy
Seizures and epilepsy are some of the most common conditions associated with autism. The rates among children with autism can vary from 5% to 40% compared to the rest of the population. Although research into the topic is needed to examine the correlation between seizures and autism, those diagnosed with autism have a higher risk.
Schizophrenic disorders
Schizophrenic disorders and autism have a high correlation with one another, as other psychiatric disorders are often at a more significant increased risk than medical disorders. Women with autism, for instance, are 46 more likely to have schizophrenia than men, which may be influenced by how psychiatrists and doctors often associated autism with men.
Anxiety/ Depression
With psychiatric disorders connected with autism, clinicians most often miss signs of depression and anxiety, resulting in those with autism being five times more likely to attempt suicide as older adults.
To learn more about ASD, how to encourage yourself or your child to live life with autism, and to attain insight into the disorders, disabilities, and conditions for treatment, contact Dr. Helene A Miller at the Family Psychiatry and Therapy, and schedule an appointment at any one of our locations in Paramus and East Orange, NJ for more information.
