This page provides opportunities to participate in research and explore survey results.
Participate in Research by Answering These Surveys!
Health and Neurological Survey for Autistic Individuals (Anonymous)
General Autism Poll (Anonymous)
What Symptoms Overlap in High Sensitivity and Adult Autism? (Anonymous)
Research Results
Sharing and Citation
If you’d like to share or reference the following research, please link directly to this page to ensure accurate attribution and maintain the integrity of the findings.
Research Findings: Health and Neurological Patterns in the Sensitive Autistic Phenotype
Julie Bjelland, LMFT, conducted this survey to better understand the health and neurological patterns of autistic individuals.
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 frequency.
Most Commonly Reported Health Issues
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 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 it. Many reported:
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
Many indicated that managing their daily schedules to align with their natural rhythms improved sleep quality. However, difficulties with sleep continue to be a significant challenge 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 also suspected autoimmune conditions, though not all had received formal diagnoses.
6. Executive Functioning Difficulties (85.2%)
Many respondents reported significant 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 energy regulation difficulties. Many reported:
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, highlighting its significant impact on the autistic community. Many reported:
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 experiencing 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 and hyperthyroidism. This finding suggests a potential link between autism and endocrine system dysregulation, warranting further research and medical awareness.
Limitations of the Survey
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.
📖 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).
Results: Signs That Overlap & Differ Survey
I gave a group of Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) this Checklist of Signs of Autism in Adults to determine which signs overlap and which ones may differ.
I separated them into the following three categories:
Overlapping Signs of HSPs and Autism (With 70% or more of HSPs sharing they also experience these signs)
Signs That Differ (30% or less of HSPs checked these signs of Autism)
Lots of Middle Ground (31%-69% of HSPs checked these signs of Autism)
Overlapping Signs of Highly Sensitive People and Those with Autism
(70% or more of HSPs share that they also experience these signs):
98% of HSPs checked: You value honesty, transparency, and truth in your relationships.
96% of HSPs checked: You prefer to have a select few friends who you are deeply close to versus having numerous, more superficial friendships.
94% of HSPs checked: When you work on something you enjoy, you easily become absorbed in that activity.
90% of HSPs checked: It’s easier to regulate your emotions when you feel like you have control over your environment.
90% of HSPs checked: You are good at noticing details.
88.5% of HSPs checked: You are extremely loyal to your loved ones.
86.5% of HSPs checked: When things feel out of control or chaotic, you feel especially anxious.
80% of HSPs checked: It feels impossible to ignore assaults on your senses. For example, a scratchy sweater can completely distract you from the work you need to complete.
77% of HSPs checked: You’ve consistently felt different from your peers.
77% of HSPs checked: You are very persistent and goal-oriented when it comes to things you care deeply about.
73% of HSPs checked: It feels safest and most comfortable when you know what to expect.
71% of HSPs checked: You care deeply and are extremely knowledgeable about a few specific areas of interest.
71% of HSPs checked: Small talk feels pointless. If you engage in it, it feels cumbersome.
71% of HSPs checked: You love talking about your passions. Spending hours discussing your hobbies or interests is easy and doesn’t feel boring.
Signs That Differ
(30% or less of HSPs checked these signs of Autism)
27% of HSPs checked: It’s difficult to change your mind.
23% of HSPs checked: Thinking in absolutes (i.e., always, never, definitely) comes most naturally to you. Needing to consider the in-betweens or “grey areas” (i.e., sometimes, only in certain situations) feels more difficult.
21% of HSPs checked: To prepare for a social outing, you think of jokes or phrases ahead of time to use in conversation.
20% of HSPs checked: Eye contact is extremely uncomfortable.
19% of HSPs checked: You struggle with extreme social anxiety.
11.5% of HSPs checked: You have trouble reading people’s non-verbal cues.
Lots of Middle Ground
(31%-69% of HSPs Checked These Signs of Autism)
69% of HSPs checked: You often feel misunderstood by others.
69% of HSPs checked: You function best with routine and consistency.
59% of HSPs checked: You really enjoy certain sensory input, and engaging with that input can help you regulate your emotions. For example, rocking back and forth or rubbing your face with a soft fabric can calm your anxiety.
58% of HSPs checked: You are exceptionally passionate about your hobbies and interests. You know more about your interests than most of the people you know.
56% of HSPs checked: You find it difficult to relate to the general public. Oftentimes, you don’t understand why they like the things they like or do what they do.
54% of HSPs checked: Even in situations where people have included you in social outings, you feel out of place or very uncomfortable.
54% of HSPs checked: Sudden changes in plans really bother you and can easily ruin your mood.
53% of HSPs checked: Your relationship with sensory input is at the extremes—you are either very sensitive to certain sensory input or you need a lot of input for it to register. For example, you may be sensitive to certain noises or smells but prefer deep hugs to light touch.
50% of HSPs checked: More often than not, you feel anxious.
46% of HSPs checked: You feel like you’re playing a character or hiding your authentic self in social situations.
46% of HSPs checked: It’s upsetting when your things are touched, moved, or rearranged without advance notice or your permission.
46% of HSPs checked: You struggle with executive functioning (e.g., time management, organization, working memory, task initiation).
44% of HSPs checked: Puzzles (i.e., Rubik’s cube, sudoku) are fun and possibly even soothing to you.
41% of HSPs checked: You sometimes feel the need to keep your body in motion. For some, this looks like fidgeting. For others, it looks like pacing back and forth or dancing.
40% of HSPs checked: When you spend a lot of time with certain people, you find yourself mimicking their mannerisms (e.g., phrases they use, how they dress, how they behave).
40% of HSPs checked: Sometimes you feel like you can’t handle your emotions. Intense emotions seem to come and go without any discernible reason.
38.5% of HSPs checked: Others often misinterpret your behavior. People mistakenly think you’re being rude or behaving as if you don’t like them.
31% of HSPs checked: Some of your friends have ended their friendships with you, and you don’t understand why.
37% of HSPs checked: You’re a picky eater. Certain textures or smells of food can make you feel nauseous.
35% of HSPs checked: Doing the same thing repetitively is enjoyable. For example, listening to a favorite song for hours is pleasant and possibly even calming.
35% of HSPs checked: When something unexpected happens, you might have an emotional meltdown or anxiety attack.
31% of HSPs checked: When you’re excited, it feels good to move your body in a certain way.
Now Available!
Discovering You’re Autistic as an Adult: An Online Self-Paced Course
Understanding Autism in Adult Women, An Online Guide by Julie Bjelland, LMFT
Here are the full categories from the checklist, separated by Social, Sensory, Cognitive, Emotional
Social Signs Of Autism In Adults
98% of HSPs checked: You value honesty, transparency, and truth in your relationships.
96% of HSPs checked: You prefer to have a select few friends who you are deeply close to versus having numerous, more superficial friendships.
88.5% of HSPs checked: You are extremely loyal to your loved ones.
77% of HSPs checked: You’ve consistently felt different from your peers.
71% of HSPs checked: Small talk feels pointless. If you engage in it, it feels cumbersome.
71% of HSPs checked: You love talking about your passions. Spending hours discussing your hobbies or interests is easy and doesn’t feel boring.
69% of HSPs checked: You often feel misunderstood by others.
56% of HSPs checked: You find it difficult to relate to the general public. Oftentimes, you don’t understand why they like the things they like or do what they do.
54% of HSPs checked: Even in situations where people have included you in social outings, you feel out of place or very uncomfortable.
46% of HSPs checked: You feel like you’re playing a character or hiding your authentic self in social situations.
40% of HSPs checked: When you spend a lot of time with certain people, you find yourself mimicking their mannerisms (e.g., phrases they use, how they dress, how they behave).
38.5% of HSPs checked: Others often misinterpret your behavior. People mistakenly think you’re being rude or behaving as if you don’t like them.
31% of HSPs checked: Some of your friends have ended their friendships with you, and you don’t understand why.
21% of HSPs checked: To prepare for a social outing, you think of jokes or phrases ahead of time to use in conversation.
11.5% of HSPs checked: You have trouble reading people’s non-verbal cues.
Sensory Signs Of Autism In Adults
80% of HSPs checked: It feels impossible to ignore assaults on your senses. For example, a scratchy sweater can completely distract you from the work you need to complete.
59% of HSPs checked: You really enjoy certain sensory input, and engaging with that input can help you regulate your emotions. For example, rocking back and forth or rubbing your face with a soft fabric can calm your anxiety.
53% of HSPs checked: Your relationship with sensory input is at the extremes—you are either very sensitive to certain sensory input or you need a lot of input for it to register. For example, you may be sensitive to certain noises or smells but prefer deep hugs to light touch.
41% of HSPs checked: You sometimes feel the need to keep your body in motion. For some, this looks like fidgeting. For others, it looks like pacing back and forth or dancing.
37% of HSPs checked: You’re a picky eater. Certain textures or smells of food can make you feel nauseous.
35% of HSPs checked: Doing the same thing repetitively is enjoyable. For example, listening to a favorite song for hours is pleasant and possibly even calming.
31% of HSPs checked: When you’re excited, it feels good to move your body in a certain way.
20% of HSPs checked: Eye contact is extremely uncomfortable.
Cognitive Signs Of Autism In Adults
94% of HSPs checked: When you work on something you enjoy, you easily become absorbed in that activity.
90% of HSPs checked: You are good at noticing details.
77% of HSPs checked: You are very persistent and goal-oriented when it comes to things you care deeply about.
73% of HSPs checked: It feels safest and most comfortable when you know what to expect.
71% of HSPs checked: You care deeply and are extremely knowledgeable about a few specific areas of interest.
69% of HSPs checked: You function best with routine and consistency.
58% of HSPs checked: You are exceptionally passionate about your hobbies and interests. You know more about your interests than most of the people you know.
54% of HSPs checked: Sudden changes in plans really bother you and can easily ruin your mood.
46% of HSPs checked: You struggle with executive functioning (e.g., time management, organization, working memory, task initiation).
44% of HSPs checked: Puzzles (i.e., Rubik’s cube, sudoku) are fun and possibly even soothing to you.
27% of HSPs checked: It’s difficult to change your mind.
23% of HSPs checked: Thinking in absolutes (i.e., always, never, definitely) comes most naturally to you. Needing to consider the in-betweens or “grey areas” (i.e., sometimes, only in certain situations) feels more difficult.
Emotional Signs Of Autism In Adults
90% of HSPs checked: It’s easier to regulate your emotions when you feel like you have control over your environment.
86.5% of HSPs checked: When things feel out of control or chaotic, you feel especially anxious.
50% of HSPs checked: More often than not, you feel anxious.
46% of HSPs checked: It’s upsetting when your things are touched, moved, or rearranged without advance notice or your permission.
40% of HSPs checked: Sometimes you feel like you can’t handle your emotions. Intense emotions seem to come and go without any discernible reason.
35% of HSPs checked: When something unexpected happens, you might have an emotional meltdown or anxiety attack.
19% of HSPs checked: You struggle with extreme social anxiety.
Julie Bjelland, LMFT
As an Autistic HSP and Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in highly sensitive people and adult-diagnosed Autism in women, I founded Sensitive Empowerment to amplify awareness about the remarkable value of Neurodiversity, particularly in Highly Sensitive People and Autistic Females. Committed to education and support, my mission is to enhance awareness and create tools and resources to reduce susceptibility to mental and physical health challenges to help individuals flourish to their fullest potential. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com.