What It Is
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) are chronic connective tissue conditions causing joint hypermobility, chronic pain, fatigue, and dysautonomia. The connection to autism likely reflects shared genetic pathways.
How It Presents in Autistic People
In autistic people, hypermobility may present as chronic pain that is difficult to communicate, fatigue that is attributed to autism rather than a physical condition, proprioceptive differences (seeking deep pressure input), and frequent joint injuries. Interoceptive differences may mean pain is noticed later or differently.
Treatment and Support
Physical therapy focused on joint stabilization is central to treatment. Pain management must be multimodal. Dysautonomia (often accompanying EDS) requires specific treatment. Many autistic people with EDS go undiagnosed for years, particularly because pain reporting differences are attributed to autism.