Are Children with Autism Physically Ill? Results (so far) of Unscientific Poll May Surprise You
Last week, I created a poll to learn a little more about this issue. In it, I asked parents whether their children with autism have physical symptoms related to their autism. I also asked whether children had "regressive" autism (that is, developed normally and then lost skills) - and did my best to separate sleep, anxiety and behavior-based issues from physical illness.
So far (as of 2:00 EST on Tuesday, May 12), there are 218 responses. Surprisingly, to me, only 8% of those who responded said their child with autism had physical symptoms apparently caused by or directly related to their autism. Only 5% said their child with regressive autism had physical symptoms.
63% of parents said their children with autism are generally healthy - though 31% note that their healthy children do have problems with sleeping.
Perhaps less surprising, 26% of parents said their children have developed health and anxiety problems as a result of behaviors related to their autism. For example, as some parents have noted, people with autism may be more likely to mouth dirty objects, engage in self-injurious behaviors, or take unnecessary physical risks (e.g., running out into traffic). People with autism are also, of course, more likely to be anxious in typical social situations, or to feel anxious as a result of ordinary sensory input.
Of course, I repeat, this is NOT a scientific study. Responders are self-selected, and have the option of responding with more than one answer - and of responding more than once. Still, it seems worth noting that the vast majority of responders feel their kids with autism are basically health, if sleep-deprived.
Do these findings correspond with your experience? What's your experience with autism and illness?
Comments
I’m told your survey accepts multiple entries from the same person. Can that be fixed?
It would’ve been interesting to compare that to responses by parents who have non-autistic kids, or even parents who have kids with other developmental disabilities. Still pretty unscientific, since there can be - what shall I call them - activist biases in these sorts of internet surveys.
I think it confirms that autistic children are not ill, but thinks differently and secondly that a LOT of the issues that autistics have are created by society, not autism.
I missed your poll, even though I keep track of your blog - how’d that happen? Anyway, I’ve always said by some people’s standards my OTHER son should have the autism. He was preemie, extremely thin and sickly, ear infections constantly, and on antibiotics throughout baby and toddler-hood. My son with autism is extremely healthy. He had some reflux in babyhood until his trunk stability was strengthened through physical therapy. As soon as he could sit up independently the urping-up disappeared and he now has a cast-iron stomach. He’s had the usually flus and colds, but never lets them get him down for long. I’m not surprised by your results. I think the folks kids with gut issues and allergies are very vocal, but still it’s not the norm.
my son used to have explosive diarrea
trouble sleeping
if he had headaches or stomach aches or ear ache anything he aws unable to tell
half verval and altough ihe akeraned to talk comunicating is still an issue
he was unable to tell
it leaves me wondering of all the phisycala things ghge went trough and I could only guess or read him…I think hthis apisn and aches were part of his autism.
otherwise he is heallthy.
I find it strange noone ever mentions children who were never in the “norm” - those who began different than others as a baby and were not diagnosed until two.
Surveys like this are difficult. Is my son sick due to autism or does he have autism because he’s sick? I suppose it’s all up to your perspective, isn’t it?
Yes my son has autism. Yes he has bowel issues, self injury, violent behaviors, is obsessive compulsive, has eating issues (as in will vomit due to texture), seizures, asthma… this sounds like we won the austistic bonanza.
Now is this all caused by his autism which we were told was diagnosed by his defecits in six specific areas? Or is this just the luck of the genetic draw? Who am I to decide and say so for your research?
I’m just the mama. You decide.