Children With Autism Face Elevated Rates of Comorbidities

Study finds higher prevalence of gastrointestinal, feeding, sleep, and anxiety disorders in autistic youth

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:37pm

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A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Health Care found that children and adolescents with autism had elevated rates of gastrointestinal disturbances, feeding problems, sleep difficulties, and anxiety disorders compared to their neurotypical peers. The research, which analyzed electronic health records data from over 222,000 youth in North Carolina, underscores the need for comprehensive screening and management of comorbidities in the autistic population.

Why it matters

The findings highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of autism, with autistic individuals often experiencing a range of co-occurring medical and mental health conditions. Understanding these comorbidity patterns is crucial for providing holistic, integrated care and supporting the overall wellbeing of autistic children and adolescents.

The details

The study examined 30 possible coded diagnoses and found that children with autism had significantly higher rates of gastrointestinal issues, feeding problems, sleep disturbances, and anxiety disorders compared to their neurotypical peers. For example, 21.6% of autistic children aged 5-10 had gastrointestinal problems, compared to just 5.2% of non-autistic children in that age group. Anxiety disorders affected 22.1% of autistic teens aged 15-17, versus 3.7% of neurotypical adolescents. The researchers also noted higher rates of lead exposure, poverty, and food hardship among autistic youth with the most prevalent comorbidities.

  • The study analyzed electronic health records data from 2019 to 2021.

The players

April A. Braswell, PhD, APRN

A pediatric nurse practitioner and associate professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington's School of Nursing, who co-authored the study.

Kara Margolis, MD

A pediatric gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health and a professor of medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, who provided commentary on the study.

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What they’re saying

“There's an urgent need for training and resources to allow better screening and management of affected children and adolescents.”

— April A. Braswell, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Associate Professor

“There's no 'one autism.' Along these lines, the investigators importantly show the high rates of GI, sleep, feeding, and anxiety disorders in autistic people and, furthermore, that they often co-occur.”

— Kara Margolis, Pediatric Gastroenterologist

What’s next

The researchers plan to conduct further studies to investigate the potential mechanisms behind the elevated comorbidity rates in autistic youth, including the connection between the gut microbiome and neurological disorders.

The takeaway

This study underscores the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for autistic children and adolescents, with a focus on early screening, diagnosis, and management of co-occurring medical and mental health conditions. Addressing these comorbidities is crucial for supporting the overall health and wellbeing of the autistic population.