Autistic Traits Correlate with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Self-Selected Population Based Survey

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is an increasingly frequent feature in young people. Many exhibit a range of additional physical and psychological features fulfil criteria for fibromyalgia. Hypermobility, irritable bowel syndrome migraine are comorbid conditions. These all part mediated by dysfunction the autonomic nervous system commonly include fatigue, poor sleep brain fog. Anxiety, social withdrawal autistic traits frequently described those with chronic pain, people over-represented among patients attending clinics. This study was designed to explore correlation between degree within self-selected community-based population. The used nonexperimental, correlational design data collected from volunteer sample 448 adults (aged 18-60) who completed online self-report questionnaires assessing each (RAADS-R score), fibromyalgia symptoms (ACR criteria) hypermobility (Beighton’s test). Correlation analysis linear regressions were test relationships disorder. Data analysed using parametric non-parametric techniques assess prevalence, strength significance relationships, causes variance populations mediations. Our community population had mean age 24 years 77% female. prevalence significant traits, much greater than expected at 63.4%, 40.6% 43.7% respectively. Those identifying as non-binary or trans highest rates. Fibromyalgia significantly associated dysautonomia stronger predictor pain. Regression analyses revealed partially relationship first provide evidence direct association traits. Although self-selected, findings our predominantly female confirm that these conditions common increased risk developing fibromyalgia, especially if they hypermobile.