If your child has an autism diagnosis and you've noticed other things — anxiety that seems extreme, broken sleep, attention difficulties — you are not imagining it. Autism rarely travels alone.
The medical term is comorbidities, though many in the neurodiversity community prefer co-occurring conditions.
How Common Are They?
A landmark Simonoff et al. study (2008, JAACAP) found 70% of autistic children met criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder, and 41% met criteria for two or more.
The Most Common Co-occurring Conditions
1. Anxiety Disorders
Between 40–60% of autistic children experience clinically significant anxiety (vs ~10–15% of the general child population). Can look like rigidity, school refusal, physical complaints, avoidance, sleep difficulties. Accessed via CAMHS (GP referral), private psychology, or therapeutic play.
2. ADHD
50–70% of autistic individuals also meet criteria for ADHD. See our blog: Are Autism and ADHD Related?
3. Epilepsy
Approximately 20–30% of autistic people over their lifetime, vs ~1–2% generally. Some seizure types can be subtle and mistaken for zoning out. Epilepsy Ireland (epilepsy.ie) | 1800 210 410.
Source: Tuchman & Rapin, Lancet Neurology, 2002
4. Sleep Disorders
50–80% of autistic children experience significant sleep difficulties.
- ♥Consistent, predictable sleep routine
- ♥Sensory adjustments — blackout blinds, white noise, weighted blanket
- ♥Reduce screens and stimulation in the hour before bed
- ♥Melatonin — on prescription in Ireland. Speak to your GP or paediatrician.
If any of this resonates — you don't have to figure it out alone. Amanda offers free initial consultations.
Book a Free Call5. Gastrointestinal Issues
Reported in approximately 30–70% of autistic children. A child in chronic gut pain may have significantly more behavioural difficulties. Referral to paediatric gastroenterology via GP; specialist services at Children's Health Ireland.
6. Intellectual Disability
Approximately 30–40% co-occur. Inclusion Ireland (inclusionireland.ie) and St. Michael's House (smh.ie) provide specialist services.
7. OCD
~17% of autistic individuals vs ~2% generally. Treated with adapted CBT alongside any prescribed medication.
8. Dyspraxia / DCD
Co-occurs with autism in approximately 50% of cases. OT is the primary support, via CDNT or private.
9. Sensory Processing Disorder
Support: sensory integration therapy and sensory diet planning from an OT.
Getting the Full Picture
If your child's diagnosis doesn't fully explain what you're seeing, request a comprehensive review through your GP and CDNT, or consider private assessment looking specifically at co-occurring conditions.
The goal is not to collect diagnoses, but to ensure every dimension of your child's experience is seen, understood, and supported.