Co-Occurring Conditions

Co-occurring conditions refers to when an induvial has a combination of two or more diagnoses or disabilities. The following are examples of additional diagnosis' that can occur alongside autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Click this link for more information on the following: Minnesota Autism Resource Portal

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Often times it can be harder to diagnose ASD in children who are deaf, thus resulting in later than life diagnoses compared to hearing children. Both deafness and autism can have a significant impact on communication and language development.

Communication

Communication approaches that are commonly used by deaf individuals, such as sign language or lip-reading, may not work for those also diagnosed with ASD. Types of non-verbal communications, such as a Picture Exchange Communication system (PECS), can help.

Education

The best educational fit for someone depends on a number of different factors, such as unique communication needs, the school's educational curriculum, opportunities for social interaction and location. Its important to stay up to date on available options, and remember that the course can always be changed if needs aren't being met.

Source: Minnesota Autism Resource Portal

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gastrointestinal conditions can often be missed or overlooked due to a person's communication barriers or other needs. Symptoms include reflux, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and other concerns. Look for behaviors such as sleep disturbances, laying on their stomach, holding their stomach, constipation, loose stool, changes in eating habits, and other sudden changes. If concerns arise, speak with a primary care physician and discuss getting a referral to a gastroenterologist. 

Source: Minnesota Autism Resource Portal

Other Development Disabilities

Some people with ASD may have other development disabilities. Examples of these disabilities include Down syndrome, intellectual disability, spina bifida, cerebral palsy and fragile X syndrome. It can be a challenge to accurately diagnose autism in individuals with a co-occurring development disability, so it's important to work with a trained professional to determine a timely and proper diagnosis. 

Source: Minnesota Autism Resource Portal

Sleep Disorders

Researchers aren't entirely sure as to why people with autism experience more issues with sleep, but their struggles can cause issues. Not only does the person's struggle to sleep effect their growth, development, mood and overall health, but it can also effect caregivers and others in the home.  Work with a primary care physician if difficulties falling asleep or waking up readability during in the night occur regularly.

Source: Minnesota Autism Resource Portal

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is prevalent in people with autism, and they can experience different types of seizures. Seek medical care immediately if it is suspected that someone is having a seizure.

Source: Minnesota Autism Resource Portal

Mental Health Conditions

Minnesota Autism Resource Portal has various resources available for both children and adults. There are also a variety of resources here on the First Call for Help 211 Community Resources. 

Source: Minnesota Autism Resource Portal

Pica

Pica is when a person eats non-food or non-nutritional substances beyond a stage of development that is appropriate, which is typically over the age of 18 months. Substances vary depending on the individual. Examples of items include hair, dirt, rocks, feces or other inedible substances.

Source: Minnesota Autism Resource Portal

Blind / Visually Impaired

It is critical for early intervention to occur for people with any kind of sensory loss as it can result in compromised or missing access to people, communication and social interactions. This can significantly impact someone's development, and its important to collaborate with service providers to support that person.

Source: Minnesota Autism Resource Portal

Apraxia

Apraxia of speech (AOS) is having difficulty planning and coordinating the movements necessary for speech. it can independently occur without issues in areas such as verbal comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, articulation, or prosody.

Source: Minnesota Autism Resource Portal