Longitudinal relations between autistic-like features and functional somatic symptoms in adolescence.

This study followed nearly 3,000 teenagers for several years to understand the connection between autism traits and unexplained physical symptoms like headaches or stomach pain. The research found these issues often occur together and this relationship stays steady throughout the teenage years. The connection was seen across different types of autism traits and was similar whether teens had an official autism diagnosis or not. This suggests parents and doctors should watch for both types of symptoms when one is present.

This longitudinal study examined the relationship between autistic-like traits and functional somatic symptoms (physical symptoms without clear medical cause) in 2,772 adolescents aged 11-19 years. Researchers used data from four assessment waves to investigate whether these conditions influence each other over time. Results showed a stable, moderately strong association between autistic-like features and functional somatic symptoms that persisted throughout adolescence. However, no reciprocal wave-to-wave effects were found, suggesting the relationship remains constant rather than one condition progressively worsening the other.

The association was consistent across different domains of autistic traits (social/communication, repetitive behaviors, self-regulation) and remained similar in adolescents with clinical autism spectrum disorder diagnoses.

Clinicians should routinely screen for functional somatic symptoms in adolescents presenting with autistic-like features and vice versa. The stable co-occurrence suggests both areas require attention in treatment planning. Assessment should be comprehensive, addressing multiple domains of autistic traits alongside physical symptom presentation for optimal intervention strategies.

Sample characteristics not fully detailed in abstract. Study design not specified. Unclear if functional somatic symptoms represent specific conditions or general somatic complaints. Limited information about potential confounding variables or mechanisms underlying the association.

Autistic-like features and functional somatic symptoms (FSS) frequently co-occur. It remains unknown how autistic-like features and FSS affect each other and develop throughout adolescence. This study examined reciprocal relations between autistic-like features and FSS in adolescence. Participants were 2772 adolescents (52.5% male) from the Tracking Adolescents’ Individual Lives Survey population and clinical cohort.

Data from four waves were included, covering the ages between 11 and 19 years. Autistic-like features were measured using the Children’s Social Behavior Questionnaire. FSS were assessed using the Youth Self Report and Adult Self Report, respectively. Using the random intercept cross-lagged panel model, a stable positive, moderately strong between-persons association was found between autistic-like features and FSS.

No within-persons reciprocal effects from wave to wave were observed. Secondary analyses revealed a consistent relation with FSS for three different domains of autistic-like features (social and communication behaviors, repetitive behaviors, and self-regulatory behaviors), and highly similar interrelations in a subsample of adolescents with a clinical autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. In conclusion, the co-occurrence between autistic-like features and FSS is stable throughout adolescence. Clinicians working with adolescents with autistic-like features should be alert to the presence FSS, and vice versa.