The main difference between autistic individuals with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and autistic individuals without the syndrome is in the physical characteristics and associated comorbidities. Although Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and hEDS share some sensory and neurological difficulties, the presence of hEDS adds musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and autonomic symptoms.
Summary of the main differences
• Autistic people with hEDS tend to have more physical problems, such as chronic pain, fatigue, joint hypermobility, and autonomic instability.
• Gastrointestinal and circulatory problems are more intense in the hEDS group.
• Sensory regulation can be even more difficult, as there is physical pain associated with hypermobility and sensitive skin.
• Fatigue and dysautonomia make daily tasks more difficult, and can lead to greater exhaustion and difficulties in daily life.
Why do these differences occur?
hEDS affects collagen, which is present not only in the skin and joints, but also in internal organs and the nervous system. This can lead to:
• Increased tissue fragility, causing joint pain and instability.
• Problems with the autonomic nervous system, causing dysautonomia (dizziness, fainting, tachycardia, low blood pressure).
• Gastrointestinal problems due to dysfunction of the connective tissue in the digestive tract.
Conclusion
If an autistic person also has joint hypermobility, chronic pain, extreme fatigue, and unexplained gastrointestinal or cardiovascular symptoms, it may be important to evaluate the possibility of hEDS. The diagnosis should be made by a geneticist or rheumatologist.
