Comorbidities | Ab Intra Wellness

Possible Comorbidity

Gastrointestinal issues: There is a high prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in individuals with autism, such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and reflux. The exact reason for this association is not yet clear, but some studies suggest that changes in gut bacteria or altered gut permeability may play a role.

Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by seizures. There is a higher incidence of epilepsy in individuals with autism than in the general population, with estimates ranging from 20-40%. The reasons for this association are not yet fully understood, but studies suggest that there may be shared genetic factors that increase the risk of both conditions.

Sleep disorders: Many individuals with autism have difficulties falling and staying asleep, as well as sleep disturbances such as night waking and early morning awakening. The reasons for this association are not yet clear, but some studies suggest that abnormalities in circadian rhythms or alterations in melatonin production may play a role.

Sensory processing issues: Many individuals with autism have difficulty processing sensory information, which can lead to hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to certain stimuli. For example, some individuals may be hypersensitive to loud noises or bright lights, while others may seek out certain textures or sensations.

Immune system disorders: Some studies suggest that individuals with autism may have immune system dysregulation, which can contribute to chronic inflammation and other health problems. For example, some studies have found higher levels of certain inflammatory markers in individuals with autism compared to those without the condition.

Research has suggested that there is a correlation between childhood adversity and immune system disorders.

Connective tissue disorders: such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), have been associated with autism in some studies. EDS is a group of genetic disorders characterized by hypermobility of joints, skin that is easily bruised and stretched, and tissue fragility. Some studies have suggested that individuals with autism may have a higher prevalence of EDS and other connective tissue disorders than the general population. For example, a study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that 21% of individuals with autism had joint hypermobility, which is a common feature of EDS. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Genetics found that a significant proportion of individuals with EDS also had symptoms of autism or related conditions.

The exact nature of the relationship between connective tissue disorders and autism is not yet clear. Some researchers have suggested that shared genetic factors may increase the risk of both conditions, while others have hypothesized that abnormalities in collagen metabolism may play a role.

Autism and Trauma

Adverse childhood events (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic experiences that occur before the age of 18 and can include abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, and other traumatic experiences. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that individuals who experienced ACEs were at higher risk for a range of physical and mental health problems, including immune system disorders.

For example, a study published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that adults who experienced more ACEs had higher levels of inflammatory markers in their blood, suggesting that they may be at increased risk for immune system disorders. Another study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that individuals who experienced ACEs had higher rates of autoimmune disorders compared to those who did not experience ACEs.

It's important to note that correlation does not necessarily mean causation, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between childhood adversity and immune system disorders. However, these findings suggest that childhood adversity may have long-term impacts on both physical and mental health.

Buie T, et al. Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in individuals with ASDs: a consensus report. Pediatrics. 2010;125(Suppl 1):S1-S18.

Tuchman R, Rapin I. Epilepsy in autism. Lancet Neurol. 2002;1(6):352-358.

Miano S, Bruni O, Elia M, et al. Sleep in children with autism spectrum disorder: a questionnaire and polysomnographic study. Sleep Med. 2007;9(1):64-70.

Baranek GT, David FJ, Poe MD, et al. Sensory experiences questionnaire: discriminating sensory features in young children with autism, developmental delays, and typical development. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2006;47(6):591-601.

Kuhlman KR, Chiang JJ, Horn SR, Bower JE. Developmental psychoneuroimmunology: bi-directional interactions between the brain and the immune system over the lifespan. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2017;81:6-12.