Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe Connection Between Autism and SchizophreniaDiagnosisTreatment

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Table of Contents

The Connection Between Autism and Schizophrenia

Diagnosis

Treatment

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Language note: Although individual preferences exist, surveys of the autistic community consistently show that autistic people preferidentity-first languagerather than person-first language (i.e., “autistic person” rather than “person with autism”). This article reflects that community language preference.

Researchers have long suspected a link between autism and schizophrenia, noting that autistic people are more likely to have schizophrenia compared to the general population. Studies have found that, although approximately 0.45% of the total population experiences schizophrenia in their lifetime, autistic people are 3.6 times as likely to develop schizophrenia compared to those who are not autistic.Additionally, some studies have shown that up to half of autistic people develop symptoms of schizophrenia at some point in their lives.

In this article, we discuss the connection between autism and schizophrenia and how autistic people are at higher risk for schizophrenia than non-autistic people.

The symptom overlap between autism and schizophrenia has been studied for decades. In fact, autism has previously been labeled as early childhood onset of schizophrenia due to the similarities in how these two diagnoses present.

Both autism and schizophrenia can manifest as unusual or atypical behaviors as well as self-isolation orsocial withdrawal. Someone might exhibit these symptoms even if they only meet the criteria for one diagnosis.

Additionally, sometimes autistic people who do not experience psychotic symptoms getmisdiagnosedwith schizophrenia. Some measures used to test for hallucinations and delusions are worded in a way that can mislead autistic respondents. For example, when asked if they experience beliefs that other people find strange or unusual, autistic people might think of their special interests, and the measure may misinterpret this as delusions.

At the same time, as noted above, autistic people are at higher risk for developing schizophrenia compared to the non-autistic population. While research around the intersection of these two diagnoses is limited, the connection between autism and schizophrenia is clearly documented.

This may be due in part to genetic components, which could predispose individuals to both autism and schizophrenia, as well as environmental stressors that can contribute to the development of psychotic symptoms, as autistic people experience stress from navigating a world not designed for their neurotype.

Researchers continue to explore this connection and increase our understanding of the connection between autism and schizophrenia.

Diagnosing Autism and Schizophrenia

Evaluating for autism andschizophreniacan be complicated. An individual may have one or both diagnoses, or they may have neither. Autistic individuals who are diagnosed in early childhood may develop schizophrenia later in life, as autism manifests in early childhood, and schizophrenia tends to develop in the late teens or early twenties.

Because autism and schizophrenia are two distinct diagnoses, there are different evaluations used to identify each condition, and they might not both be diagnosed at the same time. An individual might be identified as autistic in early childhood and then develop schizophrenia in adulthood. They might also go unidentified through childhood and not realize that they are autistic until after developing schizophrenia.

A psychologist or psychiatrist can evaluate for both autism andschizophrenia. Usually, a primary doctor or general practitioner can provide a referral to a specialist who can evaluate for both diagnoses.

Diagnosing Schizophrenia

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia are:

When evaluating for schizophrenia, a provider may use some of the following:

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Diagnosing Autism

Thediagnostic criteria for autisminclude:

Psychologists and psychiatrists typically evaluate for autism. Forchildren, a developmental pediatrician can also diagnose autism.Adultscan also be tested for autism. Measures that test for autism include (but are not limited to):

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Treatment for Autism and Schizophrenia

Since autism is a neurodevelopmental difference and not a mental health disorder, it is not something that iscured or “fixed.”However, autistic people might requiresupport, like psychotherapy to manage stress, speech or occupational therapy to help with communication and sensory issues, and services like vocational or financial assistance.

People with schizophrenia might requireantipsychotic medicationto manage hallucinations or delusions. They may also benefit from psychotherapy to help manage stress or improve insight into their symptoms.Family therapycan help caregivers understand their loved one’s symptoms and how to best support them.

Finally,group therapycan offer a supportive environment where the individual can connect with others with similar symptoms and experiences.

A Word From Verywell

Autism and schizophrenia have some symptom overlap, and autistic people are much more likely to develop schizophrenia than non-autistic people. There are added complications in identifying and treating these comorbid diagnoses, but individuals can seek support from qualified professionals to determine their diagnosis and access appropriate treatment.

3 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zheng, Z., Zheng, P., & Zou, X. (2018).Association between schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis: Schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.Autism Research,11(8), 1110–1119. doi:10.1002/aur.1977Eisenberg L, Kanner L.Childhood schizophrenia: Symposium, 1955: 6. Early infantile autism, 1943–55.American Journal of Orthopsychiatry.1956;26(3):556-566.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fifth Edition. American Psychiatric Association; 2013.

3 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zheng, Z., Zheng, P., & Zou, X. (2018).Association between schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis: Schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.Autism Research,11(8), 1110–1119. doi:10.1002/aur.1977Eisenberg L, Kanner L.Childhood schizophrenia: Symposium, 1955: 6. Early infantile autism, 1943–55.American Journal of Orthopsychiatry.1956;26(3):556-566.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fifth Edition. American Psychiatric Association; 2013.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Zheng, Z., Zheng, P., & Zou, X. (2018).Association between schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis: Schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.Autism Research,11(8), 1110–1119. doi:10.1002/aur.1977Eisenberg L, Kanner L.Childhood schizophrenia: Symposium, 1955: 6. Early infantile autism, 1943–55.American Journal of Orthopsychiatry.1956;26(3):556-566.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fifth Edition. American Psychiatric Association; 2013.

Zheng, Z., Zheng, P., & Zou, X. (2018).Association between schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis: Schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.Autism Research,11(8), 1110–1119. doi:10.1002/aur.1977

Eisenberg L, Kanner L.Childhood schizophrenia: Symposium, 1955: 6. Early infantile autism, 1943–55.American Journal of Orthopsychiatry.1956;26(3):556-566.

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fifth Edition. American Psychiatric Association; 2013.

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