Comorbidities is a term used for several conditions common in individuals with Asperger's Syndrome.Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
The over responsiveness to sensory stimuli; loud noises, light touching, clothing that is a little scratchy is called sensory processing disorder. This is widespread among individuals on the autism spectrum.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
A study of children with Asperger's Syndrome has shown that 62.5% of the participants showed clinical symptoms of attention -deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Anxiety
Many people with Asperger's Syndrome experience anxiety and depression. These can come in other forms. Anxiety can take on the form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias and specific fears with generalized anxieties.
Depression
Depression is very common in individuals with Asperger's Syndrome. Some studies have it as high as 1 out of 15. Little is known about what causes it but it is likely that it is related to the struggles of realizing the differences they have from their peers and the how they are rejected from these peers. There is also a great deal of bullying and teasing associated with these peers groups. The continued desire to fit into a peer group and the rejection that comes from the group and leads to a solitary existence is very likely to lead to increased depression among the Asperger's Syndrome population.
Dyspraxia
This particular disorder is also called motor-planning disorder. Dyspraxia is so common that one diagnostic model requires it to be present in the individual to diagnose Asperger's Syndrome. Motor clumsiness is a frustrating disorder for the individual and can also lead to some degree to the Depression disorder as there are certain things the individual will struggle with but be unable to accomplish. This leads to frustration and low self-esteem.
Tourette’s Syndrome
Although not seen as commonly as ADHD and anxiety disorders, it is not unusual to see individuals with Tourette’s syndrome as well as Asperger’s Syndrome. Tourette’s syndrome is characterized by repetitive vocal and motor tics.
These six conditions exist in the general public and in the absence of Asperger’s Syndrome. However, the rate of diagnosis among individuals with AS is unusually high when compared with those not on the spectrum. In time, scientists hope to better understand the link between these conditions.
