The Missing Piece Of The Colorful Puzzle: Autism Spectrum Dısorder and Co-Occurrıng Chronic Physical Illnesses

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests with limited communication skills and repetitive behavioral patterns, and it can occur in individuals of any race and ethnicity. In addition to the challenging nature of the disorder, individuals with ASD are more prone to chronic illnesses compared to their counterparts in the neurotypical society. These chronic illnesses often include various subtypes, such as digestive system disorders, allergies, and epilepsy. In addition to the negative impact of chronic illnesses on health, individuals with ASD and their caregivers encounter various challenges when seeking healthcare services. Due to communication deficiencies and sensory issues, individuals with ASD often do not receive adequate healthcare services, and caregivers may have negative experiences due to healthcare professionals' lack of knowledge about ASD. To address the challenges faced by individuals with ASD and their caregivers in accessing and maintaining healthcare, it is recommended that healthcare teams receive training in this area, and fundamental changes are made in the healthcare system. Examination and treatment processes should be tailored specifically for individuals with autism, and physical conditions should be improved.