Co-Occurring Conditions

What “co-occurring” means

A co-occurring condition is a separate condition that a person has alongside autism. NICHD explains that when a provider diagnoses autism, they also note whether the person has intellectual or language difficulties, or another medical or genetic condition related to autism, such as seizures or Fragile X syndrome. Knowing which conditions are common helps families notice them, ask about them, and make sure they are treated in their own right. Nothing on this page is a diagnosis — only a qualified provider can make one.

Mental health

CDC reports that anxiety, depression and ADHD occur more often in autistic people than in people who are not autistic, and WHO lists the same three conditions, together with epilepsy, among those autistic people often also have. The American Academy of Pediatrics says anxiety and depression are common in autistic youth, and that behavior changes — sleeping or eating differently, spending more time alone, losing interest in favorite activities, stronger reactions to stress, or more repetitive behaviors and insistence on routines — can be important clues, because autistic teens may not express distress in words. The AAP also notes that not every autistic teen will develop an additional mental health diagnosis, and that some clinicians may miss anxiety or depression in autistic children, so it helps to raise concerns directly with the pediatrician.

Attention and learning

CDC lists hyperactive, impulsive or inattentive behavior, and delayed language, movement or learning skills, among the characteristics that commonly accompany autism. NIMH notes that in adults, autism characteristics can overlap with ADHD and anxiety, which is one reason adult evaluation takes care. WHO describes intellectual functioning in autistic people as ranging from profound impairment to superior levels.

Physical health

Conditions CDC and the AAP list as common alongside autism include:

• Epilepsy or seizure disorder
• Sleep problems and unusual sleeping habits
• Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea or feeding problems
• Unusual eating habits

NIMH mentions sleep problems and irritability among experiences many autistic people report. Because autism sometimes occurs with other conditions, a diagnostic evaluation may include blood tests and a hearing test — not to diagnose autism itself, but to check for related conditions.

Genetic conditions

NIMH and CDC note that certain genetic conditions — such as Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome and tuberous sclerosis — are associated with a higher likelihood of autism. The AAP adds that most autistic children do not have a specific medical or genetic condition that explains their autism.

Why it matters for families

CDC notes that medication is sometimes used for co-occurring symptoms such as inattention, anxiety, depression, seizures, sleep problems or gastrointestinal problems — while stating that no medication treats the core characteristics of autism. Such decisions belong with a qualified provider. The AAP recommends keeping regular well-child visits from infancy through adulthood, looking for counselors experienced with autism when therapy is needed, and sharing any mental health concern with the pediatrician. After a diagnosis.