Comorbidities of Autism

Commonly co-occurring conditions of autism can lie in the physical or mental category. These issues may happen at different time points in life and at different intensities. Diagnosis of the com-morbidities in autism maybe challenging because autistic individuals struggle with communication.

Some of the comorbidities in autism are:

1.????? Neurological disorders such as epilepsy or seizures, cerebral palsy, headaches

2.????? Gastrointestinal disorders

3.????? Feeding issues

4.????? Sleeping disturbances

5.????? Psychiatric issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder

6.????? Other developmental disorders such as developmental delay, intellectual disability, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

7.????? Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome

8.????? Allergies and immune disorders

9.????? Vitamin deficiencies

Children with autism have a higher chance of having medical emergencies compared to normal children. The treatment of autistic children in emergency situations can be challenging due to communication issues, behaviour and anxiety. The environment in an emergency setting/ hospital can have significant impact on how an autistic child responds to treatment.

BISCUIT Screening tool:

The Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT), Part II is a screening tool used to assess the presence of comorbidities in infants and children to help in early intervention. A study used the tool was used to divide children into different age groups such as 12–18 months, 19–24 months, 25–31 months and 32–39 months and found that children with ASD have severe comorbid symptoms compared to normal infants and toddlers. Another study used the BISCUIT tool to show that children with autism have significantly more feeding and sleeping issues.

ASD-CC screening tool:

The Autism Spectrum Disorder Comorbidity-Child Version (ASD-CC) was used to compared autistic and non autistic children and adolescents. The study found that children with ASD showed more depressive symptoms, avoidant behaviour and repetitive behaviour. Others studies using the ASD-CC tool showed that autistic individuals have feeding difficulties, anxiety associated with communication deficits, and depression.

ASD-CA screening tool:

The Autism Spectrum Disorders-Comorbidity for Adults is a screening scale with 37 items with five subscales that categorise the possible comorbidities such as, anxiety/repetitive behaviors, conduct problems, irritability/behavioral excesses, attention/hyperactivity/ impulsivity and depressive symptoms.

The prevalence of comorbidities in autism can be dependent on gender and age. Diagnosis of comorbidities is important in autism since these can worse the symptoms of autism. Many of the mentioned comorbidities can be treated and thus can improve the outcomes of autism treatment.

At Jewel Autism and Child Development Centre, we use a multi-specialty approach to provide therapy to children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. We are the largest team of professionals for Autism therapy in India and we also have a branch in Dubai, UAE.

·??????? Successfully completed 17 years in mainstreaming autistic kids

·??????? Success stories of 150000 + children from 38 countries

·??????? Internship center for 38 universities across the globe

·??????? PhD center for five universities

·??????? First complete child development center in India since 2008

·??????? Biggest CHILD DEVELOPMENT TEAM in India with 180 staff members

·??????? Well established branch in UAE which can cater upto 200 plus kids a day

We believe every child with special needs deserves a chance to experience life like everyone else and it is our mission to provide them the skills and training to realize that dream.

Contact us: Cheriyapally Hospital Buildings, Ooppoottil Kavala, Chalukunnu, Kottayam, Kerala 686001

Phone: +91-9745451747 / +91-9846565524 / +91 9400225922 / +971 547829954

Email: [email protected]

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