ASD Comorbidities

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Co-Morbidities

Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Definition: ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and by restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior.

Communication Disorders associated with ASD

• Pronoun Reversal: A phenomenon where individuals refer to themselves by their name or by the pronoun "you" instead of "I" or "me".
  • Example: A child might say, "Mommy wants to play with you" instead of "I want to play with you."
• Abnormal Prosody: Deviance in the rhythm, pitch, and intonation of speech.
  • Example: A person with ASD may speak in a flat monotone voice, lacking the natural variations of tone.
• Difficulty with Pragmatics: Challenges in using language socially and understanding context.
  • Example: Difficulty in understanding jokes, sarcasm, or non-verbal cues in conversation.
• Mutism: Some individuals may choose not to speak at all, a condition often referred to as selective mutism.

Medical Problems Commonly Associated with ASD

• Gastrointestinal Problems: Many individuals with ASD report issues such as constipation, diarrhea, or stomach pains.
  • Impact: This can significantly affect comfort, behavior, and overall health.
• Sleep Difficulties: Sleep disturbances are prevalent, including trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
  • Consequence: Lack of sleep can exacerbate behavioral issues and affect daily functioning.
• Seizures: A notable percentage of individuals with ASD experience seizures at some point in their life.

Neurodevelopmental, Psychological, or Behavioral Disorders

• Many individuals with ASD also exhibit co-occurring disorders, such as:
  • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
  • Anxiety Disorder: High rates of anxiety coexist with ASD, impacting daily functioning and social interactions.
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): Marked by a pattern of angry, irritable mood, and defiant behavior towards authority figures.

Intellectual Developmental Disorder in ASD

• Prevalence of Intellectual Impairment:
  • Approximately 1/3 of individuals with ASD earn IQ scores of less than 70, categorized as having significant intellectual disability.
  • About 1/4 score between 71-85, indicating borderline intellectual functioning.
  • Around 40% achieve IQ scores over 85, which falls within the normal range, although they may still experience significant social and communication challenges.