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Molecular Autism

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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Fibromyalgia | Research

Autism and chronic ill health: an observational study of symptoms and diagnoses of central sensitivity syndromes in autistic adults

Authors: Sarah Grant, Sam Norton, Ricarda F. Weiland, Anke M. Scheeren, Sander Begeer, Rosa A. Hoekstra

Published in: Molecular Autism | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Autistic adults, particularly women, are more likely to experience chronic ill health than the general population. Central sensitivity syndromes (CSS) are a group of related conditions that are thought to include an underlying sensitisation of the central nervous system; heightened sensory sensitivity is a common feature. Anecdotal evidence suggests autistic adults may be more prone to developing a CSS. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of CSS diagnoses and symptoms in autistic adults, and to explore whether CSS symptoms were related to autistic traits, mental health, sensory sensitivity, or gender.

Methods

The full sample of participants included 973 autistic adults (410 men, 563 women, mean age = 44.6) registered at the Netherlands Autism Register, who completed questionnaires assessing autistic traits, sensory sensitivity, CSS, physical and mental health symptoms. The reliability and validity of the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) in an autistic sample was established using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Chi² analyses, independent t-tests, hierarchical regression and path analysis were used to analyse relationships between CSS symptoms, autistic traits, measures of mental health and wellbeing, sensory sensitivity, age and gender.

Results

21% of participants reported one or more CSS diagnosis, and 60% scored at or above the clinical cut-off for a CSS. Autistic women were more likely to report a CSS diagnosis and experienced more CSS symptoms than men. Sensory sensitivity, anxiety, age and gender were significant predictors of CSS symptoms, with sensory sensitivity and anxiety fully mediating the relationship between autistic traits and CSS symptoms.

Limitations

Although this study included a large sample of autistic adults, we did not have a control group or a CSS only group. We also could not include a non-binary group due to lack of statistical power.

Conclusions

CSS diagnoses and symptoms appear to be very common in the autistic population. Increased awareness of an association between autism and central sensitisation should inform clinicians and guide diagnostic practice, particularly for women where CSS are common and autism under recognised.

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Title: Autism and chronic ill health: an observational study of symptoms and diagnoses of central sensitivity syndromes in autistic adults
Authors: Sarah Grant
Sam Norton
Ricarda F. Weiland
Anke M. Scheeren
Sander Begeer
Rosa A. Hoekstra
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia
Anxiety
Fatigue
Published in: Molecular Autism / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 2040-2392
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-022-00486-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Autism and chronic ill health: an observational study of symptoms and diagnoses of central sensitivity syndromes in autistic adults

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Limitations

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Limitations

Conclusions

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