Medical issue commonly seen in autistic children:

 1. Seizure and Epilepsy Disorders


Individuals with autism are at risk for developing epilepsy, and about 20–30% of them will develop seizures. The seizures may be minor (absence seizures) or major (tonic-clonic seizures). They may impact cognition, learning, and behavior.


Symptoms: Staring spells, muscle twitching, convulsions, loss of consciousness.

Management: Medication, lifestyle modification, and sometimes special diets (e.g., ketogenic diet).


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2. Gastrointestinal (GI) Problems


Autistic children have difficulties with digestion such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Food sensitivities, gut microbiome imbalance, and food selections are the culprits for such symptoms.


Symptoms: Abdominal discomfort, gas, acid reflux, irregular bowel habits.

Treatment: Medical diets, probiotics, fiber intake, and medical therapy.


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3. Sleep Disorders


Sleep disorders among autistic children are extremely prevalent, typically caused by sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or aberrant melatonin secretion. Ineffective sleep is likely to worsen behavioral and cognitive challenges.


Symptoms: Sleep difficulty, frequent waking, waking in the early morning hours, night terror.

Management: Bedtime routines, melatonin therapy, behavior therapy, reducing screen time.


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Example of 4. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)


ADHD will often co-occur with autism, and trouble concentrating, obeying directions, and regulating impulses will make schoolwork and peer relationships difficult.


Symptoms: Hyperactivity, inattentiveness, impulsivity, difficulty maintaining focus.

Treatment: Behavior therapy, structure, medication (as indicated).


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5. Anxiety Disorders


Autistic children often are anxious due to communication difficulties, sensitivity to sensory stimuli, and disruptions in routine. Social anxiety and generalized anxiety are particularly common.


Symptoms: Excessive worrying, avoidance of social interactions, restlessness, physical symptoms (headaches, stomach aches).

Treatment: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation training, medication in severe cases.


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6. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)


Autistic children are usually over- or under-sensitive to sensory inputs. This may affect their tolerance to loud noises, fabric texture, food tastes, and touch.


Symptoms: Being too sensitive to loud noises, avoiding certain textures, seeking deep pressure (hugs, weighted blankets).

Management: Sensory integration therapy, occupational therapy, sensory-friendly environments.


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7. Depression and Mood Disorders


As they grow older, autistic children may develop depression due to socialization issues, bullying, or being different. This can lead to low self-esteem and emotional distress.


Symptoms: Depressed mood, loss of interest, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, social withdrawal.

Management: Counseling, medication (if necessary), social support, structured activities.


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8. Immune System Dysregulation


Some autistic children have weakened or hyperactive immune systems, including frequent infections, allergies, or autoimmune disease.


Symptoms: Ongoing colds, food allergy, skin rash, chronic inflammation.

Management: Dietary balance, immune supplements, medical supervision.


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9. Eating and Feeding Disorders


Autistic children would generally have restricted intake of food because of sensory issues, rigid routines, or anxiety about food. Some of them develop Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).


Symptoms: Restricted variety of food, reluctance to eat foods with particular textures, nutritional deficiency.

Management: Occupational therapy, incremental food exposure, nutritional support.


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10. Motor Coordination Difficulties (Dyspraxia)


Dyspraxia is a disturbance of movement and coordination, causing it to become harder for children to learn fine and gross motor skills. It may influence activity such as writing, playing sport, or getting dressed independently.


Symptoms: Clumsiness, shoelace tying troubles, handwriting challenges, difficulty in catching a ball.

Management: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, learning adapted techniques.


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