Autism and associated conditions

Autistic people often also have other conditions, which can make their support needs more complex. Read more about common conditions that someone can have alongside autism.   

ADHD

ADHD and autism are frequently found together. A person with ADHD will usually struggle with inconsistent focus – which means they will find it hard focusing on things that don’t interest them but may be able to hyperfocus on the things they do. They may be hyperactive (though this isn’t always the case) and have a feeling of near-constant restlessness. What is true for all ADHD people however is a mental hyperactivity: having a quick brain making rapid connections, and able to come up with innovative ideas and solutions, with some people thinking several thoughts at one time.  

PDA

Children and adults with pathological demand avoidance (also known as Pervasive Drive for Autonomy) find ordinary demands cause significant anxiety, which creates a need to be in control. It is said that while an autistic person needs to know what is coming ahead, a person with PDA needs to control what is coming ahead.  

Despite the condition first being identified in the 1980s by the late developmental psychologist Professor Elizabeth Newson, it is not commonly understood or recognised by clinicians or schools, and it is inconsistently available as a diagnosis depending on where you live and what the local policy on it is.

Described as a “nervous system disability,” it is possible that demands are being registered by the brain as a threat, which can lead them to moving to fight or flight mode.  

People don't receive a PDA diagnosis (as it isn't in the DSM-5), which is the manual clinicians use to structure their diagnosis, but they may identify it as a profile within a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition. As it’s not always clear, parents can be left confused as to whether their child has PDA or not, so it is worth clarifying with the people carrying out an assessment.

Among the main characteristics include not being able to comply with demands, even if it is something the person wants to do, high-level “masking”, leading to teachers not realising how difficult a child is finding things, and high anxiety which can be expressed in the form of meltdowns or defiant behaviour. For individuals, it is intensely stressful as a person may feel unable to do something, even if they want to, while they fear the consequences of not being able to comply, for example, getting in trouble or a difficult situation again.

It is debated within the autism community whether PDA is indeed a subset of the autism spectrum or a common feature among autistic people caused by long-term stress.  Either way it is especially important for a child to be identified if they have above-average difficulties around demands, as children who have this profile can struggle with conventional parenting or teaching approaches. For more information visit the PDA society’s website. 

Mental health issues

Ambitious about Autism research found that four out of five autistic young people have experienced mental health issues.  

Mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety disorders, are more common in autistic people and have a huge impact on a person's daily life - hindering their ability to access full education and employment opportunities, for example.  

Ambitious about Autism's Youth Network has created a Know Your Normal toolkit to help young people understand and explain what their normal looks like - so that if things change they can communicate this and seek help more easily. 

Learning disabilities

A learning disability affects the way a person learns new things throughout their lifetime. Around four in ten autistic people have a learning disability. The level of support someone with a learning disability needs depends on the individual. For example, someone with a mild learning disability may just need more time to learn a new skill. A person with a severe learning disability might need full-time care and support with all aspects of their life. Read more about learning disabilities.

Epilepsy 

Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures. It is more common in autistic people than the general population. Read more about epilepsy.

Eating disorders 

The severe eating disorder Anorexia Nervosa is much more common in autistic women then non-autistic women. Research has found that factors behind this include high levels of anxiety and sensory issues around food. Read more about anorexia and autism.