Individuals with ASD may have a variety of co-occurring conditions, including epilepsy,[1][2] bipolar-disorder,[3] and immunological problems,[4][5][6] such as asthma and atopic dermatitis.
Other conditions associated with ASD are fragile-x-syndrome and rett-syndrome.
Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition that causes intellectual disability. Symptoms of Fragile X syndrome include ear, nose, and throat problems (ear infections or sinusitis), developmental delays, motor dysfunction, and the physical appearance of a long face with prominent forehead and protrusile ears.[7] These symptoms typically do not display until early childhood. Roughly 50% of individuals with Fragile X meet the diagnostic criteria for ASD and tend to have more severe developmental and behavioral problems.[8]
Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs predominantly in girls. The first signs of Rett syndrome are a failure to meet development milestones, usually between 6 and 18 months of age. Active regression occurs between 1 and 4 years of age, in which there is a loss of motor function and language skills. Eventually, this loss plateaus, although some individuals experience improvements in ASD traits through early adulthood. About 50% of people with Rett syndrome meet the criteria for ASD during the regression period, but this decreases with time.[9]