Have you ever wondered why so many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience joint pain, fatigue, or frequent injuries? This can also be referred to as hypermobility, a condition where joints move beyond the normal range. Research points to a strong connection between hypermobility and autism, with up to 80% of individuals facing both.
In this article, we’ll break down why these two conditions often overlap and how understanding this connection can help you or your loved one find the right support.
Hypermobility is a condition where a person’s joints move beyond the typical range of motion. A more common term you might have heard is being “double-jointed,” but it’s more complicated than just being flexible.
Some folks with hypermobility may feel little to no discomfort at all. But for others, it can lead to constant pain, frequent dislocations, and diagnoses like Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD).
Both conditions can cause ongoing symptoms that significantly affect one’s daily life and often go unrecognized. Hypermobility syndrome can vary in severity but often involves chronic pain, which makes individuals more susceptible to mental health challenges, including depression or anxiety. By learning the link between autism and hypermobility, you can help understand your body—or support someone you love—and discover ways to manage symptoms with care.
Scientists have found a prevalent connection between hypermobility and autism, though the exact cause is still an ongoing research.
Autistic individuals are three times more likely than their neurotypical counterparts to have hypermobility-related disorders. This cooccurrence may be linked to shared traits such as connective tissue differences and nervous system dysregulation.
These factors might also explain why some people with autism are also diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a genetic connective tissue condition that comes with joint hypermobility, stretchy skin, and fragile tissues. Studies suggest that autism and hypermobility might share underlying genetic factors, which could explain why many autistic individuals also experience sensory sensitivities, digestive issues, or anxiety,
If you or your loved one lives with autism and hypermobility, managing chronic pain can be challenging without the right resources and support. Here are some strategies that can help:
Finding the right care—and people who understand both conditions—can make a world of difference in an individual’s wellness and quality of life.
Navigating hypermobility and autism can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the Self-Determination Program (SDP), NeuroNav can help you access the support services that you need and deserve.
Suppose you’re a resident of California and qualify for the Self-Determination Program (SDP). In that case, you can direct funds toward resources like physical therapy, yoga, or other services to help you manage symptoms and achieve personal goals. It can be an empowering way to personalize your care beyond traditional medical care.
Support is available for those navigating the link between autism and hypermobility, and NeuroNav is here to guide you all the way. With our independent facilitation services, you can access services with someone who truly cares about meeting your needs.
Schedule a free consultation with NeuroNav today to learn more about how we can help you access the support you need to live your life according to your rules.