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Autistic Adults Face Higher Rates of Mental and Physical Health Conditions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted in the Netherlands highlights the concerning prevalence of mental and physical health conditions in autistic adults. The study, which surveyed 601 individuals aged 30-90, found that autistic adults reported lower health-related quality of life, higher rates of mental health conditions, and a range of physical health issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • Autistic adults reported lower health-related quality of life compared to non-autistic adults.
  • The most common mental health conditions reported by autistic adults were mood disorders (45%), anxiety disorders (22%), and personality disorders (21%).
  • Autistic adults were between six and 34 times more likely to have these mental health conditions compared to non-autistic adults.
  • Physical health conditions, such as bowel disorders (27%), allergies (48%), and hypothyroid conditions (6%), were also significantly higher in autistic adults.
  • Psychometric network analysis revealed a complex interplay between mental and physical health conditions in autistic adults.
  • The study emphasizes the need for improved healthcare and broader societal changes to enhance the well-being of autistic individuals.

Statistics:

  • 327 autistic adults and 274 non-autistic adults were surveyed as part of the study.
  • Autistic adults reported a 33-145% higher rate of mental health conditions compared to non-autistic adults.
  • The most common physical health conditions reported by autistic adults were:

+ Bowel disorders (27%)

+ Allergies (48%)

+ Hypothyroid conditions (6%)

+ Strokes (CVA/TIAs; 3%)

+ Rheumatic conditions (31%)

  • Autistic adults were between two to four times more likely to have physical health conditions compared to non-autistic adults.

Sources:

  • Occurrence and Overlap of Physical and Mental Health Conditions In Autistic Adults. Autism, 2025.
  • Investigators at University of Amsterdam Detail Findings in Personality Disorders (Occurrence and Overlap of Physical and Mental Health Conditions In Autistic Adults). Mental Health Weekly Digest, October 13, 2025; p 390.

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