Slide 01
Autism, Co-occurring Conditions & Diagnosis

Peer Support
JULY 2022

Slide 02
Co-Occuring Conditions

These are medical conditions and diagnoses that are commonly found in people with Autism. They are also called “Co-Morbid”, but we choose not to use this term because it imparts a negative judgement.

We’ll be looking at a few based on research and anecdotal evidence.

Slide 03
POTS

Postural tachycardia syndrome

Causes fainting, “greying out” and/or dizziness due to a sudden increase in heart rate when standing up or moving around.

Hypermobility

e.g. Ehlers-Danlos syndromes

Weaker Connective tissue in the body causing skin to stretch or joints to dislocate when moved.

Slide 04
ADHD

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder 

Estimated up to 70% of Autistic people*. Impairs: organisation, focus coping with stress, impulse control.

Dyspraxia

Difficulty with co-ordinating gross-motor movements and spatial awareness, May appear clumsy.

Slide 05
Mental Health Issues

May be a result of living in an unaccommodating/unsupportive environment. May be confused for Autistic traits. 

Digestive (GI) Issues

Many Autistic people have Gastro-  Intestinal issues and food sensitivities. Researchers have tried to find a cause for Autism in the gut micro-biome. 

Slide 06
BARRIERS TO DIAGNOSIS

• Getting stressed/ flustered at medical appointments

• Lack of awareness of specialist services/support

• Panic attacks/history of medical abuse or institutional betrayal

• Providers not understanding Autism

Slide 07
• Minimising Autistic voices- calling us confused or intellectually disabled, beleiving stereotypes

• Being accused of non-compliance or non-motivation to seek help

• Waiting lists

• Communication issues

• Low Interoception

• Being gaslit about our experiences and sensations

Slide 08
How to Respond

Advocate

Self- advocate and ude an advocate to book  appointments and assert your rights to accommodations.

Educate

Be prepared to explain what
Autism is and isn’t to medical professionals, and what your needs are. We shouldn’t have to, but we do.

Slide09
Discussion

It can be very difficut when Allistics dismiss our needs by tellng us to “get over it” or  “We’re all a bit like that”.

Allistics often don’t care and don’t have understanding/empathy for how things are different for us.

All illness are different for Autistic people and may be worse because of sensory needs and difficulty with unexpected change.

Slide 10
Suggestions
Meeting and talking with similar (Autistic People) can help us understand our experiences.

Being philosophical and accepting that adversity happens can help us cope with anxiety.

Understanding our co-occurring conditions and the needs we have can free us to experience Autistic joy.