Conditions That May Coexist with Autism
Autistic people may have other health, developmental or mental health conditions, as well as functional characteristics that deserve separate attention. A single sign does not establish a diagnosis.
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
What it is
A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity at levels that interfere with daily functioning.
How it may appear
Difficulty sustaining attention, motor restlessness, impulsivity, frequent forgetfulness and difficulty following instructions or completing tasks.
When to seek help
When inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity are persistent across more than one setting and cause meaningful impairment. Assessment should consider age, development, sleep, health, environment and other possible explanations.
Professionals who may be involved
Pediatricians and mental health or neurodevelopment professionals, depending on age and context. Psychology may contribute within its scope.
ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder)
What it is
A persistent pattern of irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior and vindictiveness toward authority figures.
How it may appear
Frequent intense outbursts, arguments with adults, refusal to follow rules, irritability and blaming others for mistakes.
When to seek help
When irritability, opposition or conflict are persistent across situations and cause significant impairment. ODD should not be inferred from tantrums, rigidity or isolated episodes.
Professionals who may be involved
Mental health and child-development professionals, depending on the case.
Anxiety Disorders
What it is
Persistent excessive worry that interferes with daily activities and may appear as generalized anxiety, specific phobias, social anxiety or panic disorder.
How it may appear
Restlessness, muscle tension, fatigue, concentration difficulty, irritability, sleep changes and physical complaints such as stomachaches or headaches.
When to seek help
When anxiety causes significant distress and avoidance of everyday situations.
Professionals who may be involved
Psychologists and child/adolescent psychiatrists.
Depression
What it is
A mood disorder characterized by persistent low mood and loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable.
How it may appear
Depressed mood, loss of interest, appetite and sleep changes, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness and social withdrawal. In children it may appear as irritability.
When to seek help
When mood changes, loss of interest or other signs persist and impair daily life. Speech or behavior indicating self-harm or suicide risk requires immediate assessment in a health service.
Professionals who may be involved
Mental health professionals; pediatrics or primary care may also be entry points.
Intellectual Disability
What it is
A condition involving significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior across conceptual, social and practical skills.
How it may appear
Difficulty learning new skills, solving problems and understanding abstract concepts, with delays in adaptive abilities.
When to seek help
When there are significant developmental delays and persistent learning difficulties.
Professionals who may be involved
Assessment may involve medicine and psychology, plus other professionals to understand adaptive functioning, communication, learning and participation.
Epilepsy
What it is
A neurological condition characterized by a predisposition to recurrent epileptic seizures.
How it may appear
Different seizure types may occur, including generalized and focal seizures, sometimes subtle and difficult to identify.
When to seek help
Suspected seizures deserve medical assessment. Loss of consciousness, prolonged convulsion, breathing difficulty, injury or repeated seizures may require emergency care.
Professionals who may be involved
Pediatrics, neurology or pediatric neurology depending on age and availability.
Sleep Disorders
What it is
Sleep-related difficulties including insomnia, frequent night waking, poor sleep quality and circadian-rhythm disturbances.
How it may appear
Difficulty falling asleep, waking several times during the night, waking very early, daytime sleepiness, irritability and behavior changes related to tiredness.
When to seek help
When sleep problems persist and affect the child’s and family’s daytime functioning.
Professionals who may be involved
A pediatrician or other physician can assess medical causes and need for further investigation. Other professionals may contribute to routines, environment and behavioral factors within their scope.
Sensory Processing Differences
What it is
Autistic people may show heightened, reduced or sensory-seeking responses. Here this is treated as a possible functional characteristic, not a required independent diagnosis.
How it may appear
Discomfort or strong interest involving sounds, lights, textures, movement, smells, tastes or body sensations, with variable impact on daily life.
When to seek help
When sensory responses interfere with eating, sleep, self-care, school, work, leisure or social participation.
Professionals who may be involved
Occupational therapists may assess the relationship between sensory factors and occupational performance; other professionals may be needed to rule out pain or medical conditions.
Food Selectivity and Other Feeding Difficulties
What it is
Restricted variety, food refusal or difficulty trying foods can occur in autism for different reasons. Food selectivity itself is not necessarily a diagnostic comorbidity.
How it may appear
Restricted food repertoire, refusal related to sensory features, chewing or swallowing difficulties, gastrointestinal discomfort, fear or other feeding barriers.
When to seek help
When there is weight loss, poor growth, nutritional deficiency, choking, pain, very restricted repertoire or major impact on daily life.
Professionals who may be involved
Pediatrics and nutrition can assess health and nutritional status; speech-language pathology, occupational therapy and others may participate according to identified difficulties.
Language Disorders
What it is
Difficulties acquiring and using language that may affect speech, understanding or both.
How it may appear
Delayed speech, difficulty forming sentences or understanding instructions and narratives. Echolalia may occur.
When to seek help
Concerns about speech, language, understanding or communication can be discussed with pediatrics and assessed by speech-language pathology. Loss of previously acquired skills deserves especially prompt attention.
Professionals who may be involved
Speech-language pathologists, with other professionals involved when there are associated hearing, development or health concerns.
Important: This list includes diagnoses that may coexist with autism and functional difficulties that are not necessarily independent diagnoses. It is intended to highlight topics that may deserve assessment, not for self-diagnosis.
Important notice: This content is exclusively educational and informational. It does not replace assessment, diagnosis or follow-up by qualified health professionals.
Clinical and editorial review: August 18, 2026
Autismo: sinais, avaliação e diagnóstico
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