Autism and Medical Comorbidities

Among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), many co-occurring disorders occur at greater frequency compared to children without a neurodevelopmental condition. Gastrointestinal problems, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, disorders of hearing and vision, motor coordination disorders, tic disorders and Tourette’s, sleep disorders, and migraines all occur at higher frequencies than their neurotypical peers and can worsen the core neurobehavioral symptoms of ASDs. Understanding the increased risk for each of these disorders, how to screen and diagnose them in this population, and initiate treatment or referral for the optimal treatment approach is essential to decreasing the disease burden on our patients and their families with ASDs.