Sadia Atif, Clinical Psychologist and Registered Behaviour Technician, discusses Regressive Autism. She also talks about difference between disease and disorders, and how some of them can develop due to autism.
Usually children or adults with autism also develop other medical conditions associated with autism. These diseases can vary from person to person, depending on how high they are on the spectrum and other medical factors.
These conditions can make increase the effects of autism. Hence, it is important to understand what these diseases are and how they manifest within the context of autism.
Bipolar Disorder
People with bipolar disorder usually alternate between episodes of depression and mania. This disorder can be common among people who have autism.
A lot of times, there is a chance that bipolar disorder is misdiagnosed with autism or vice versa. This happens because a lot of their symptoms overlap.
Depression
As people with autism age, their chances of developing also increases. Depression can also increase with high functioning autistic people. Look out for the following signs of depression:
- Loss of interest in activities that once interested the person with autism
- Worsening of hygiene
- Consistent feeling of sadness
- Feeling worthless
- Felling hopeless
- Feeling irritated
- At extremes, frequently thinking about death or suicide
- Does not respond to name by 12 months
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
According to researchers, OCD is more common in children and adults who are on the autistic spectrum. However, do not confuse an autistic person's repetitive behavior with OCD. Consult your doctor for a formal diagnosis.
Anxiety
Anxiety affects up to 42% of population with autism. Anxiety can cause an increase in heart rate, muscle tightness, stomach aches and headaches.
Social settings can also trigger anxiety in people who have autism. New places, crowds and new people can trigger it.
Epilepsy
Another common disease related to autism. People and especially children may not understand what is happening to them. Even people around them might not be able to understand these seizures. It is recommended to learn the signs of an incoming seizure and get help as soon as possible. These signs include:
- Long staring spells without any reason
- Severe headaches
- Extreme confusion
- Involuntary movements
- No expressive vocabulary by 16 months
- No meaningful two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months
- Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age
- Does not respond to name by 12 months
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders
These disorders are 8 times more common in children with autism. The most common GI disorders include:
- Bowel inflammation
- Abdominal pain
- Chronic constipation
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- No expressive vocabulary by 16 months
- No meaningful two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months
- Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age
- Does not respond to name by 12 months
Eating Issues
Also a very common problem in children with autism. Children can become extremely picky with their food, have strong food aversions and restricted eating patterns. Some children might even suffer from chronic overeating and Pica-the act of eating non-edible items.
Some children might even suffer from chronic overeating and Pica-the act of eating non-edible items.
These are some of the most common diseases that can be traced back to autism. There can be other disorders too. Please consult your doctor if you think that your child suffers from any autism related disease and try to identify if it is actually related to autism or not.
Was This Page Helpful
Not Helpful
Average
Helpful