Autism plus refers to an autistic individual with comorbidities, while autism pure refers to individuals with autism that have no comorbidities. People use comorbidity and co-occurring conditions interchangeably in casual conversation, but a comorbidity can be diagnosed separately from autism, and are two or more distinct diagnoses, and a co-occurring condition occurs alongside autism.
Autism comorbidities and co-occurring conditions:
- Anxiety
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Immune function disorders
- Metabolic disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Epilepsy
- Depression
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Demand-avoidance
- Dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia
- Joint problems and hypermobility
- Learning disabilities
- Mental health problems
- Sensory sensitivities
Simon Baron-Cohen, one of the world’s most influential autism researchers, has spoken about how we understand autism has changed. People once viewed it as very rare, but now it is recognised as a broad spectrum of differences.
Autism is now seen as a neurodivergence rather than a single condition requiring support. Pure autism is rare, and individuals with autism are more likely to have another condition that goes along with it. It is the other conditions that make living with autism difficult. Also, situations such as stigma, bullying, being ostracised, and being discriminated against create extra challenges for individuals with autism, and society has to address these issues.
Image by Ghasoub Alaeddin from Pixabay
Has anyone ever experienced conditions alongside their autism? Do you have any strategies that have helped?
Which co-occurring condition do you think is most overlooked?
Sources and further information:
Autism plus versus autism pure – PubMed
Co-Occurring Conditions and Autism – Autism Research Institute
Co-occurring conditions | Autism Central
My Autism Life After Diagnosis 
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