Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often described using a set of core characteristics: deficits in social communication, restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and sensory dysregulation. These are the hallmarks defined by the American Psychiatric Association (2013) and are typically the focus of diagnosis and early intervention. However, autism is far more than a checklist of behaviors—it is a deeply complex and heterogeneous condition that touches nearly every aspect of an individual's development and daily life. As the prevalence of ASD continues to rise, with recent estimates indicating that 1 in 36 8-year-olds in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism, it is more important than ever to fully understand the layered challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families.
A Spectrum of Expression
One of the defining features of ASD is the variability in how it presents. Two children with the same diagnosis may show vastly different behaviors, challenges, and strengths. This wide variance in symptom severity and expression makes autism difficult to treat with a one-size-fits-all approach. As research has advanced over the last two decades, a broader understanding of autism has emerged—one that acknowledges not just the core symptoms, but also the range of co-occurring medical, psychological, developmental, and nutritional concerns that frequently accompany the condition.
Co-occurring Conditions: The Rule, Not the Exception
Far from being a condition that exists in isolation, ASD is now widely understood to be accompanied by other medical and psychological diagnoses. According to Khachadourian et al. (2023), approximately 74% of individuals with ASD experience at least one co-morbid condition, a rate significantly higher than their non-autistic siblings. These co-occurring diagnoses are often not minor. Children with ASD have a much higher likelihood of also being diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder, anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), among others.
The numbers are striking: Kilicaslan (2022) reports that 61.2% of children with ASD also have ADHD, nearly 20% have conduct disorder, and 4.7% have an anxiety disorder. These conditions can intensify the behavioral challenges associated with autism and complicate treatment plans, especially when providers are not equipped to recognize or treat the full spectrum of overlapping symptoms.
Physical Health: A Hidden Layer of Concern
Beyond mental health, physical health complications are also more common among individuals with autism. Gastrointestinal (GI) issues are particularly prevalent, occurring at four times the rate seen in neurotypical peers (Madra et al., 2020). Common symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain—symptoms that, if left untreated, have been linked to increased behavioral problems, sleep disturbances, and even worsening of psychiatric conditions (Fergason et al., 2019).
Alongside GI concerns, children with autism often face eating and nutritional challenges. Selective eating, food avoidance, and picky eating behaviors are frequently reported (Baraskewich et al., 2021), which can contribute to significant nutritional deficiencies. Deficits in essential vitamins such as B1, B6, B12, A, and D are not uncommon in this population (Robea et al., 2020). These nutritional gaps can further affect cognitive, emotional, and physical development, adding yet another layer to the already complex picture of autism.
The Challenge of Care Coordination
With so many areas of development and health impacted, it’s no surprise that providing care for a child with ASD can be overwhelming. The complexity of autism often requires coordinated care across multiple domains—pediatric medicine, gastroenterology, mental health counseling, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and behavioral support like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). These services are frequently long-term and require ongoing appointments over months or even years.
Unfortunately, barriers to accessing these essential services are common. Monzu et al. (2019) found that in 92% of cases, mothers were the primary coordinators of care for their autistic children, and 44% of them reported experiencing access barriers such as long waitlists and lack of insurance coverage. These obstacles can result in delayed or missed interventions, leading to increased stress for families and less-than-optimal outcomes for children.
The toll of these demands is evident in school attendance data as well. In just a four-week span, children with ASD missed the equivalent of six full days of school. Full-day absences were often attributed to behavioral refusal, co-morbid conditions, and bullying (Nordin et al., 2024), while half-day absences were frequently due to medical and therapy appointments (Adams, 2022).
Limited Access to Mental Health Services
Despite the high rates of mental health comorbidities among children with ASD, the availability of appropriate behavioral and emotional support remains inadequate. In a comprehensive survey of over 8,000 U.S. mental health facilities, fewer than half reported offering behavioral health care to children with ASD, and only 37% were currently accepting new ASD patients (Cantor et al., 2020). This shortage of services further complicates the already challenging journey for families seeking comprehensive and timely support.
The Need for Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Interventions
With such a multifaceted and layered condition, it's clear that autism requires more than surface-level interventions. The complexity of ASD—touching on sensory, motor, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and physical domains—demands a whole-child, integrated approach to care. One critical gap that remains under-addressed is motor development, which is often overlooked despite its close ties to executive function and behavior regulation.
A growing body of research is exploring interventions that go beyond symptom management to address underlying developmental systems. One such initiative includes the evaluation of the Brain Balance (BB) program, which aims to improve motor development and neurological maturity in children and adolescents with ASD. By targeting motor function—an area often under-documented despite its clear importance—programs like Brain Balance may contribute to broader improvements across domains of functioning, including attention, emotional regulation, and even academic performance.
Conclusion
Autism Spectrum Disorder is not a singular experience but rather a spectrum of complex, interrelated challenges that vary greatly from person to person. From co-occurring mental and physical health conditions to nutritional concerns and significant barriers to care, the path to support and improvement is far from simple. As prevalence increases, so does the urgency to develop comprehensive, accessible, and evidence-based interventions that reflect the true complexity of autism.
We are no longer in an era where we can afford to focus solely on surface-level symptoms. The future of autism care lies in embracing its complexity and responding with coordinated, multidisciplinary support systems that meet individuals where they are—supporting not only their challenges but also recognizing and nurturing their unique strengths.
At Brain Balance, we empower individuals with Autism differently. Brain Balance is a personalized, holistic program that engages the brain and body to address aspects of daily functioning, including emotional, social and behavioral issues. The program uses an integrated approach that combines sensory-motor training and cognitive exercises with nutritional guidance. This program does not prescribe medication and does not require a diagnosis.
Through our comprehensive assessment, we will identify areas of the brain that need strengthening. We will then create personalized services for children with Autism to strengthen the weaker areas and restore balance.
Brain Balance's evidence-based program combines all the tools necessary for your child to thrive into one integrated program. Click the link below to contact us and set up your child's personalized assessment.
