Other conditions that affect autistic people

There are some conditions that often occur with autism. These are called co-occurring conditions.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Experiences of ADHD include:

• finding it hard to concentrate and getting distracted easily
• acting impulsively
• finding it hard to sit still

People with ADHD may need extra support at school or work. Sometimes they may be given the option to take medicines that calm them.

Information about ADHD - adhdireland.ie

Differences in processing information

Some autistic people have differences in how they process information. Conditions related to processing information include:

• dyslexia - affects reading, writing and spelling
• dyspraxia - affects movement and co-ordination skills
• dyscalculia - affects a person's ability to understand numbers

Extra support at school can often help.

Eating difficulties

Eating a varied diet can be challenging for some people with autism.

Some autistic people:

• eat a limited variety of foods
• over-eat or do not eat enough
• find it difficult to eat outside the home in places such as school or work

Eating issues can cause a lot of stress and worry for parents and carers.

Find out more about eating and autism.

Mental health difficulties

Many autistic people experience mental health conditions, such as:

• anxiety - feeling very worried a lot of the time
• depression - feeling unhappy, irritable or hopeless
• obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD - a need to keep doing certain actions

You can often manage these conditions with relaxation techniques. Therapies such as modified cognitive behavioural therapy can also help. Some people may be given the option to take medicines.

Communication differences

Autistic people may communicate in different ways.

They might have difficulties with language, such as:

• understanding or expressing themselves
• trouble making sounds in words
• being non-verbal

Some autistic people find it helpful to use communication aids. These can be visual supports such as easy-read books, picture cards or apps.

Sleep problems

Autistic children and adults may experience sleep problems. When you have ongoing problems it is called insomnia. Difficulties include:

• finding it hard to go to sleep
• waking up several times during the night
• waking up early and not being able to go back to sleep

Changing your bedtime routine can often help.

Find out more about sleep problems.

Intellectual disabilities

An autistic person with an intellectual disability may find it hard to:

• understand new or complicated information
• learn new skills
• look after themselves

People an intellectual disability often need help with daily life.

Find out more about children's disability services.

Epilepsy

Symptoms of epilepsy include:

• shaking and collapsing (called a "fit" or seizure)
• a short period of unconsciousness
• staring blankly into space
• strange smells or tastes
• tingling in your arms or legs

Treatment for epilepsy includes medicines.

Epilepsy and autism - epilepsy.ie

Problems with joints and other parts of the body

Some autistic people may have:

• flexible or painful joints
• skin that stretches or bruises easily
• diarrhoea or constipation that does not go away

These can be caused by conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or joint hypermobility syndrome.

You may need support from a range of health professionals, including a physiotherapist.