Comorbid Behavioral Problems and Psychiatric Disorders in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders are common among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), including those often regarded nonspecifically as “autistic behaviors,” rather than specific psychiatric comorbidities. This article summarizes several symptoms or syndromes that significantly interfere with adjustment and functioning, and reviews current treatment evidence, as well as potential future interventions. These symptoms or syndromes are impairments outside of the core diagnostic features — impaired communication, impaired social skills and restricted interests / repetitive movements — that may significantly impede the implementation of behavioral or other non-medical interventions. Early identification of these comorbidities could aide in the development of successful targeted treatments.