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Understanding autism

Common co-occurring conditions in autism

Who is it for? For people on the autism spectrum, relatives and interested readers who want to know which other conditions can occur together with autism.

In brief

According to a 2024 expert overview, about two thirds of all people with autism have at least one co-occurring condition (comorbidity). These include mental health conditions such as intellectual disability, attention disorders, anxiety disorders and depression, but also genetic conditions, epilepsy and metabolic disorders. [1] Co-occurring conditions can considerably affect everyday life and development. It is therefore considered important to clarify them carefully and to treat them where needed. [1]

This English translation was produced with AI assistance and has not yet been independently reviewed.

What “co-occurring condition” means

A co-occurring condition (comorbidity) is a further illness or disorder that exists in addition to autism. It is not the same as autism itself, but it can have similar signs or overlap with them. [1]

What it can include

The expert overview gives the following examples: [1]

  • Mental health conditions: intellectual disability, attention disorders, anxiety disorders and depression
  • Genetic conditions, for example fragile X syndrome
  • Neurological conditions, for example epilepsy
  • Metabolic disorders, for example phenylketonuria

This is a selection of examples, not a complete list and not a statement about how often each individual condition occurs.

Why clarification is important

Co-occurring conditions can considerably impair level of functioning and course of development and can hinder interventions. They also make it harder to distinguish autism from other disorders. The expert overview therefore considers it very important to clarify co-occurring conditions in detail and to treat them where needed, including with medication. [1] How this fits into the assessment: How an autism assessment works.

What the 2021 guideline covered

The 2021 S3 guideline on therapy contained separate chapters on treating accompanying disorders. As target symptoms and accompanying disorders it named, among others, language and speech disorders, disorders of motor development, elimination disorders, oppositional and aggressive behaviour, ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, tic disorders, sleep disorders, eating disorders, psychotic and bipolar disorders, personality disorders, substance use disorders and impulse-control disorders. [2, Ch. C.1] The guideline expired on 23 March 2026. [3] On sleep: Sleep problems in autism.

What else you should know

  • Not every person with autism has co-occurring conditions. About two thirds also means: for some there are none. [1]
  • If you notice something that does not “fit autism” or that changes, talk to your GP or specialist practice. You do not have to classify it yourself.
  • Professionals decide on treatment together with you. Never start, change or stop medication on your own.

Note: This article provides general information. It is not a substitute for personal diagnosis, advice or treatment by professionals.

Sources and literature

  1. Höhne E, Kamp-Becker I. Diagnostik der Autismus-Spektrum-Störung. Pädiatrie (Rosenfluh) 2024;(4+5):27–32. https://rosenfluh.ch/media/paediatrie/2024/04-05/Diagnostik-der-Autismus-Spektrum-Stoerung.pdf – Expert overview (in German)
  2. DGKJP, DGPPN et al. Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen im Kindes-, Jugend- und Erwachsenenalter. Teil 2: Therapie. S3-Leitlinie, AWMF-Reg.-Nr. 028-047, Stand Text 02.05.2021 (Kap. C.1). – Guideline (in German); expired on 23 March 2026 (see no. 3)
  3. DGKJP. Aktuelle Leitlinien (Eintrag 028-047: „Gültig bis 23.03.2026“). https://www.dgkjp.de/wissen/aktuelle-leitlinien/ – Professional society (website in German)

Terms from this article

Co-occurring condition
A further condition that exists in addition to autism (comorbidity), for example attention disorders, anxiety disorders, depression or epilepsy.
Y-BOCS (Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale)
A rating scale for obsessive-compulsive symptoms (for children: CY-BOCS). In the 2021 S3 guideline it serves as a measuring instrument in studies; it measures obsessive-compulsive symptoms, not autism.

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