Recent research studies have found elevated rates of medical conditions in autistic individuals across all health and organ systems. These include rates of cancer and heart disease, migraine, Coelia’s disease, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, epilepsy, constipation, immune and auto-immune disorders, disorders of the reproductive system and disorders associated with ageing, such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia. There is also a higher level of obesity and dyslipidemia.  

Unfortunately, healthcare professionals are often unfamiliar with and lack training in autism, especially in terms of pain perception and sensory sensitivity in healthcare facilities. There are interpersonal and systematic barriers for an autistic person when seeking medical support, and we encourage autistic individuals to be able to advocate for themselves during healthcare checks.