In an article published in The Conversation, experts explained how some patients with autism may also have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which is often underrecognized and has been known to severely affect patients’ quality of life. Although experts are unsure of how the two conditions are correlated, they noted that patients with autism may be more susceptible to the condition compared with individuals in the general population as a result of corresponding symptoms, including gross motor difficulties, sensory hypersensitivity, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. According to the experts, patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may also experience joint dislocations; disc prolapses; spinal malformations; and conditions afflicting the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, heart, nervous system, immune system, reproductive system, and eyes. They noted that characteristics such as stretchy skin, frequent bruising, hypermobile joints, and clumsiness may be signs that an individual has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; however, researchers have not been able to establish any biomarkers for the hypermobile subtype of the disorder. As a result, physicians may deliver delayed diagnoses or misdiagnoses. For those who are diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, the experts recommended strength exercises and pain management for the joints; individualized diets to avoid foods to which patients may have intolerances; and medications to treat other symptoms of the disease, such as low blood pressure. Patients who have both conditions may also require a multidisciplinary team of specialists who can coordinate treatments and symptom management strategies.
May 25, 2023