# Health experiences and outcomes of autistic and non-autistic adults with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder

## TL;DR

This study finds that autistic adults with hypermobility disorders experience more symptoms and health challenges compared to non-autistic individuals.

## Contribution

The study is the first to compare health experiences of autistic and non-autistic individuals with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder.

## Key findings

- Autistic participants reported more symptoms and co-occurring health conditions compared to non-autistic participants.
- Autistic individuals had poorer physical and mental health outcomes compared to non-autistic individuals.
- Mental health impacts differed between autistic and non-autistic participants based on activity limitations and self-care difficulties.

## Abstract

Previous research has indicated an association between hypermobility and autism. This study examined whether being autistic affects diagnosis, symptoms, and health experiences of people with hypermobility, including hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). We compare three groups: autistic adults, non-autistic adults, and adults who are not autistic but have a high level of autistic traits. Additionally, we examined which health and social factors predicted self-reported physical and mental health outcomes for autistic and non-autistic people with hEDS/HSD.

A total of 1754 participants completed an online questionnaire about their diagnostic experience, hypermobile symptoms, co-occurring health conditions, self-rated physical and mental health, engagement with health services, and employment and benefits status. Around 25% of respondents were autistic; a further 25% had high levels of autistic traits.

Autistic participants had more symptoms of hEDS/HSD and were more likely to have co-occurring physical and mental health conditions, compared with non-autistic and high autistic trait respondents. Autistic and high autistic trait participants self-reported poorer physical and mental health compared with non-autistic participants. Autistic participants’ mental health was impacted by limitations to everyday activities, whereas non-autistic participants were more impacted by difficulties with self-care.

Autistic and non-autistic people may experience hEDS/HSD differently, which may impact the type of supports that are most beneficial to them.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12916-026-04713-2.