Higher-functioning adolescents with autism are at increased risk for which condition?

Higher-functioning adolescents with autism are at increased risk for which condition?

• A. Significant phobias
• B. Panic attacks
• C. Substance abuse
• D. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer: (D)

Higher-functioning adolescents with autism have an increased risk for obsessive-compulsive disorder. The overlap comes from the presence of repetitive behaviors and a strong preference for sameness in autism, but OCD adds intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and ritualized actions (compulsions) that the person recognizes as excessive yet cannot resist. This combination can push functioning beyond what’s seen with autism alone, leading to significant impairment in school, social, and family life. Clinically, it’s important to screen for OCD in this group and pursue targeted treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy adapted for autism, with careful consideration of pharmacotherapy (e.g., SSRIs) if needed and with close monitoring. Phobias, panic attacks, and substance use can occur, but they aren’t the pattern most specifically associated with higher-functioning adolescents who have autism.

Higher-functioning adolescents with autism have an increased risk for obsessive-compulsive disorder. The overlap comes from the presence of repetitive behaviors and a strong preference for sameness in autism, but OCD adds intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and ritualized actions (compulsions) that the person recognizes as excessive yet cannot resist. This combination can push functioning beyond what’s seen with autism alone, leading to significant impairment in school, social, and family life. Clinically, it’s important to screen for OCD in this group and pursue targeted treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy adapted for autism, with careful consideration of pharmacotherapy (e.g., SSRIs) if needed and with close monitoring. Phobias, panic attacks, and substance use can occur, but they aren’t the pattern most specifically associated with higher-functioning adolescents who have autism.