Co-Occurring Conditions in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Dear Colleagues,

Understanding autism through the lens of co-occurring conditions is critical for advancing comprehensive, person-centered care and generating actionable insights in research and practice. This Special Issue explores the complex intersections between autism and a wide array of co-occurring conditions, highlighting how these interactions shape diagnosis, support strategies, and outcomes. By focusing on these interconnections, the Issue aims to gather knowledge that can inform more effective, tailored support for autistic people.

High rates of co-occurring conditions in autism are well-documented. Some associations, such as epilepsy and learning differences, are long-recognized, while others—like mental health conditions, disordered eating, and gastrointestinal issues—are only recently receiving attention. Each co-occurring condition adds layers of complexity to the autism profile, influencing both how autism is expressed and what support is needed. Recognizing these complexities is essential for developing interventions, policies, and services that reflect the real-world needs of autistic people.

This Special Issue invites multidisciplinary perspectives from clinicians, researchers, educators, and advocates to examine the latest evidence, innovations, and debates in understanding co-occurring conditions in autism. We welcome empirical studies, theoretical contributions, clinical case studies, and reviews that illuminate the prevalence, mechanisms, or management of co-occurring conditions. By gathering diverse insights, this issue seeks to advance dialogue, highlight emerging research directions, and support holistic strategies that improve the well-being of autistic people across their lifespan.

Dr. Tanya L. Procyshyn
Guest Editor

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