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Autism and High Blood Pressure

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently suffer from comorbidities. In addition to their ASD, these people frequently are afflicted with some other condition — whether it be psychiatric or physical — that can cause additional challenges in life.

For example, 85% of children on the autism spectrum suffer from at least one psychiatric diagnosis, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD and schizophrenia.

Epilepsy is more prevalent in children with ASD than in neurotypical individuals, with prevalence rates of 30% compared to about 7% for the general population.

Anywhere from half to 80% of children with ASD also have some type of sleep disorder, including trouble falling asleep, remaining awake for long periods of time, waking up extremely early and even sleep apnea.

There are also links between autism and high blood pressure, though this condition often happens as a result of some of the other comorbidities. We’ll explain this in more detail below.

Table Of Contents

Is There a Link Between Autism and High Blood Pressure?

There are multiple aspects to the relationship between autism and high blood pressure.

On the one hand, some of the common comorbidities of autism can result in high blood pressure. On the other hand, pregnant women who have high blood pressure could be at more risk for having children with autism1.

A 2018 study published in the JAMA Psychiatry2 journal found that pregnant women who had preeclampsia — a type of gestational high blood pressure — were 50% more likely to have a child with autism compared to a control group.

Studies before this one didn’t find a definitive link between preeclampsia and autism risk, though, so more research is needed into the topic. Still, it’s worth noting that there at least appears to be a significant risk between a mother having high blood pressure during pregnancy and children having ASD.

Are Children with Autism at Great Risk for High Blood Pressure?

There have been many studies conducted into autism and how it can affect the likelihood that an individual may suffer from a co-occurring condition3. While multiple research projects have drawn direct links between autism and high risk for heart disease and diabetes, some have suggested there’s no increased risk of stroke or high blood pressure.

A 2023 review of studies published in the JAMA Pediatrics journal4, for instance, found that children with autism were at a greater risk of developing diabetes, dyslipidemia, atherosclerotic heart disease and other conditions.

However, the review didn’t find that children with ASD were at a higher risk of high blood pressure or macrovascular disease.

Is High Blood Pressure Not an Issue for People with Autism?

The results of the review of studies didn’t draw a direct line between autism and high blood pressure, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a concern for children on the autism spectrum.

In fact, many of the common comorbidities for children with autism end up leading to having high blood pressure.

Sleep apnea and sleep issues in general can result in a person suffering from hypertension5. This is especially true if the issues are prologoned and/or untreated for a period of time.

Suffering from anxiety and depression can also result in developing high blood pressure, especially if coupled with other, which can commonly occur.

How Can Autism and High Blood Pressure Be Treated?

The gold standard treatment option for children with ASD is known as applied behavior analysis, or ABA therapy. It’s a science- and evidence-based approach to learning and behavior that helps patients gain the communication and social interaction skills they frequently struggle with, while also helping them modify certain behaviors.

While ABA therapy certainly doesn’t treat high blood pressure directly, it can have a positive effect on a patient’s overall health.

As patients are taught new skills such as improving their communication, they are better able to express their thoughts, feelings, needs and desires. This results in them getting better support that they need, when they need it.

Over time, through repetition, patients can gain the skills they need through ABA therapy to live a more independent life. This, in turn, helps them be less anxious and overwhelmed, which can result in helping them lower their blood pressure.

ABA therapy can also help address other things that might be causing higher blood pressure, such as food aversions and preferences that could lead to children with ASD being overweight.

Blue Gems ABA Supports Children with Autism in Many Ways

While studies haven’t shown a direct link between autism and a greater risk of hypertension, many of the common co-occurring conditions can result in higher blood pressure.

At Blue Gems ABA, we are dedicated to supporting children on the autism spectrum in many ways. We administer ABA therapy on a one-to-one basis, helping to specifically target the unique strengths and challenges of each individual.

To learn more, please contact us today.

References

  1. https://www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/study-ties-autism-maternal-high-blood-pressure-diabetes/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20the%20new%20work%20suggests,new%20findings%20solidify%20the%20connection.
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29874359/
  3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6669096/
  4. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2800779
  5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631#:~:text=Sudden%20drops%20in%20blood%20oxygen,pressure%2C%20also%20known%20as%20hypertension.