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Autism

Challenges to High-Quality Care in Autism with Functional Somatic Symptoms

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Research has identified a strong link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and functional somatic symptoms (FSS), with children and adolescents with ASD experiencing these symptoms at a higher rate than their peers. According to a narrative review of the literature and a case report presented by researchers at the Sapienza University of Rome, psychological and familial factors play a significant role in the manifestation of FSS in ASD, increasing the risk of unnecessary medicalization and complications in management. A comprehensive biopsychosocial approach that addresses both the individual and the family is crucial for managing FSS in ASD.

Key Takeaways:

  • Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently experience functional somatic symptoms (FSS), which can be influenced by psychological and familial factors such as alexithymia or health anxiety.
  • These factors can lead to misinterpretation of symptoms by caregivers and healthcare providers, resulting in unnecessary medical interventions.
  • The case report highlights the importance of addressing personal and familial dynamics in the management of FSS in ASD, as these factors can complicate treatment.
  • A comprehensive biopsychosocial approach that considers individual and familial factors is essential for providing high-quality care in ASD.
  • Researchers have called for future studies to focus on developing targeted interventions that address these psychological and familial influences.
  • The study emphasizes the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to manage FSS in ASD, involving not just healthcare providers but also family members and caregivers.
  • The case report provides a unique insight into how personal and familial factors can impact the presentation and management of FSS in ASD.
  • The research suggests that early detection and intervention are critical in preventing unnecessary medicalization and complications in ASD.

Statistics:

  • 13-year-old boy with ASD experienced FSS due to personal and familial factors.
  • FSS are more prevalent in children and adolescents with ASD than in their peers without ASD.
  • Psychological factors such as alexithymia or health anxiety can intensify FSS in ASD.
  • Unnecessary medical interventions are a common consequence of misinterpreted symptoms in ASD.
  • A comprehensive biopsychosocial approach has the potential to enhance the quality of care and reduce healthcare utilization in ASD.

Sources:

  • Challenges To High-quality Care In Autism With Functional Somatic Symptoms: a Case-inspired Narrative Review and Exploratory Biopsychosocial Model. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2025.
  • Sapienza University of Rome, Dept. of Human Neurosciences, Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiat Unit, I-00185 Rome, Italy.
  • NewsRx LLC. Data on Autism Reported by Researchers at Sapienza University of Rome (Challenges To High-quality Care In Autism With Functional Somatic Symptoms: a Case-inspired Narrative Review and Exploratory Biopsychosocial Model). Mental Health Weekly Digest. June 9, 2025; p 120.

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