The association between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A Care Plan Perspective

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that shares clinical features with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a condition affecting the neurological and immune systems. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between the two conditions, including shared genetics and neuropathology. However, there is a paucity of data and lack of conclusive evidence to draw any definite associations.Purpose: This review aims to gather available evidence to determine whether an association exists between autism and CFS and to report on published findings.Methodology: The search was conducted on databases PUBMED, MEDLINE and Google Scholar. Eligibility criteria included studies examining the association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Exclusion criteria included 1) studies that reported on autism and chronic fatigue syndrome separately 2) studies that evaluated the association of autism with conditions other than CFS and 3) and studies that looked at the association of CFS with conditions other than autism. Non-English language studies were excluded.Results: A total of eight articles were reviewed for the study and the reported findings indicates the complex relationship between autism and co-morbid physical health conditions.Conclusion: This study highlights the need for enhanced awareness among mental health practitioners regarding the complex interplay between autism and co-occurring physical health conditions like CFS presenting in children and young people and appropriate management of physical health symptoms as part of the overall care plan.