Health and Neurological Patterns in the Sensitive Autistic Phenotype: Research Findings by Julie Bjelland, LMFT

Hundreds of thousands of sensitive individuals are now discovering they are autistic as adults—a realization made possible by our expanding understanding of autism. For years, autism was defined too narrowly, leaving many undiagnosed and struggling to make sense of their lifelong challenges. Traits once attributed solely to high sensitivity—such as deep emotional processing, sensory overwhelm, and intense empathy—are now recognized as part of the Sensitive Autistic Phenotype. This shift in awareness is helping countless people finally understand themselves, validate their experiences, and access the support they’ve long needed.

In my work I have seen that many of us have chronic health conditions and I have conducted surveys to help us better understand the health and neurological patterns of the Sensitive Autistic Phenotype. 

A Health and Neurological Survey for Autistic Individuals revealed significant health trends among respondents, highlighting prevalent conditions that impact many in the autistic community. The survey primarily included autistic individuals or those suspecting they are autistic, with an overwhelming majority (92.6%) identifying as female. Below, we present key health trends ranked by the percentage of autistic adults who experience these issues.

Common Health Conditions in Autistic Individuals

1. Gastrointestinal Issues (95.3%)

A substantial majority of respondents reported gastrointestinal (GI) issues, with the most common conditions including:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Chronic Constipation

• Frequent Diarrhea

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

These findings align with existing research suggesting that gut-brain interactions play a role in autism, potentially contributing to heightened GI sensitivities and disorders.

2. Anxiety (88.6%)

Anxiety was one of the most frequently reported conditions, with 88.6% of respondents experiencing:

• Feelings of excessive worry or nervousness

• Panic attacks and heightened stress responses

• Challenges with uncertainty and transitions

These findings emphasize the importance of mental health support tailored to autistic needs.

3. Sleep Difficulties (87.9%)

Many respondents reported experiencing sleep disturbances, including:

• Trouble falling and/or staying asleep

• Irregular sleep-wake cycles

Adjusting daily schedules to align with natural rhythms improved sleep quality for some, yet sleep challenges remain a significant issue for many autistic individuals.

4. Auditory Processing Difficulties (87.2%)

Many respondents reported challenges with auditory processing, including:

• Difficulty understanding spoken instructions

• Struggles differentiating sounds in noisy environments

• Challenges communicating effectively due to auditory processing issues

These findings align with known auditory processing differences in autistic individuals.

5. Autoimmune and Immune-Related Conditions (87.2%)

A significant portion of respondents reported immune-related issues, including:

• Allergies (pollen, food sensitivities)

• Eczema and other skin-related immune responses

• Asthma

Some suspected autoimmune conditions, though not all had received formal diagnoses.

6. Executive Functioning Difficulties (85.2%)

Many respondents reported challenges with executive functioning, including:

• Difficulties with planning and organization

• Time management struggles

• Challenges with task initiation and completion

These findings highlight the importance of support strategies and accommodations for executive function challenges in daily life.

7. Fatigue (79.9%)

Fatigue was widely reported, with 79.9% of respondents experiencing:

• Severe exhaustion impacting daily function

• Unrefreshing sleep despite adequate rest

• Co-occurring chronic conditions contributing to fatigue

These findings highlight the importance of understanding autistic burnout and its impact on energy levels.

8. Depression (71.1%)

A large portion of respondents (71.1%) reported experiencing depression, including:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness

• Difficulty with motivation and daily functioning

• Struggles with self-esteem and emotional regulation

These findings underscore the need for accessible, neurodivergent-affirming mental health support.

9. Chronic Pain (63.8%)

Chronic pain was a notable issue among survey participants, with many experiencing:

• Headaches and migraines

• Joint hypermobility or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

The prevalence of chronic pain-related conditions suggests the need for further exploration into the connection between autism, connective tissue disorders, and nervous system dysregulation.

10. Medication Sensitivity (47.7%)

Nearly half of respondents (47.7%) reported frequent medication side effects, including:

• Increased sensitivity to dosages

• Unexpected or heightened reactions to medications

• Difficulties finding tolerable treatments

This highlights the importance of personalized approaches to medication in autistic healthcare.

11. Cardiovascular Issues (45%)

Nearly half of respondents (45%) reported experiencing cardiovascular issues, including:

• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

• High or low blood pressure fluctuations

• Circulatory challenges impacting daily function

These findings indicate a potential link between autism and cardiovascular regulation, warranting further medical attention and awareness.

12. Thyroid Disorders (32.2%)

Over one-third of respondents (32.2%) reported experiencing thyroid disorders, including:

• Hypothyroidism

• Hyperthyroidism

This finding suggests a potential link between autism and endocrine system dysregulation, warranting further research and medical awareness.

This survey is self-reported, meaning that the results reflect only the experiences and awareness of respondents at the time of participation. Some individuals may have undiagnosed conditions, such as thyroid disorders or cardiovascular issues, without being aware of them. For example, many autistic individuals have thyroid imbalances but remain undiagnosed. The data should be interpreted with this in mind, as it represents reported conditions rather than a full medical assessment.

Conclusions and Considerations

The survey findings emphasize the wide range of co-occurring health conditions experienced by autistic individuals, with gut health, anxiety, sleep disturbances, auditory processing difficulties, immune-related issues, executive function difficulties, fatigue, depression, chronic pain, medication sensitivity, cardiovascular issues, and thyroid disorders emerging as the most common concerns. These insights highlight the need for medical professionals to take a holistic approach when supporting autistic individuals, ensuring that treatments and accommodations are tailored to their unique neurodivergent needs.

The strong representation of late-identified autistic individuals and those still exploring their neurotype in the survey further reinforces the importance of accessible diagnostic pathways and self-affirming communities. As awareness of autism in adults—especially among women and gender-diverse individuals—continues to grow, understanding these interconnected health patterns will be crucial for better support and advocacy.

More Information and Resources

• For more insights into the Sensitive Autistic Phenotype, visit https://www.juliebjelland.com/autistichsp (Feel free to share this public link to help spread awareness). 

• Here's a free Autism Quiz: if you are curious whether you might fall into the Sensitive Autistic Phenotype. 

• I offer adult autism assessments via video! Learn more

• We also have an Adult-Discovered Group for those of you who either suspect you may be autistic or have been diagnosed.

• Book a Consultation with me for personalized answers and support.

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Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She is known for developing innovative, easy-to-implement tools that help balance the sensitive nervous system, reduce challenges, and empower individuals to excel in their unique talents. Julie has created a global hub of support, including online courses, the Sensitive Empowerment Community—a nurturing sanctuary for sensitive and neurodivergent individuals—a globally top-ranked podcast, articles, free webinars, and more. Her passion is helping to create a world where differences are embraced as strengths and celebrated. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com.

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