Summary: People with autism perceive pain with greater intensity, not less. A new study comparing 52 individuals living with autism with 52 healthy individuals found more significant pain sensitivity, overturning the widely held belief that those with autism are indifferent to pain. Managing their pain requires a specific approach.
It is well known that autism is quite common, and those living with autism are poor communicators.
Till now, most researchers have suggested that those living with autism spectrum disorders have reduced pain sensitivity. However, a new study had quite a contrary finding. It suggests just the opposite: individuals with autism perceive pain with greater intensity.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. In the United States, the prevalence of ASD has been increasing over the years, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2020, approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with ASD.
ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means that it affects individuals differently. For example, some individuals with ASD may have significant impairments in communication and social interaction. In contrast, others may have mild symptoms that are barely noticeable. However, some common signs and symptoms of ASD include:
- Issues with social interaction: Children with ASD may have difficulty making eye contact, understanding social cues, and making friends.
- Repetitive behaviors: Individuals with ASD may engage in repetitive behaviors, such as hand-flapping, lining up toys, or repeating phrases.
- Late language development: Children with ASD may have delayed language development or may not speak at all.
- Sensory issues: Individuals with ASD may be sensitive to certain sounds, textures, or lights.
- Fixated interests: Individuals with ASD may have an intense interest in a particular topic or object and may want to talk about it incessantly.
It is essential to note that the signs and symptoms of ASD can vary widely among individuals, and some individuals may not display all the symptoms. Additionally, the symptoms of ASD may not be noticeable until a child reaches a certain age.
Since so many individuals are living with autism, it is also vital to understand the prevalence of various other health disorders in the population groups and how their signs and symptoms differ. Since those living with autism have issues with social interaction, they are more likely to under-report pain and other health issues. They are also more likely to be living with chronic pain.
It is therefore no surprise that most studies show that those living with autism are less likely to have painful conditions. However, a new study now shows that those living with autism might perceive pain with greater intensity.
The study looked at how people with autism process pain. The researchers thought that autistic people might have less efficient ways of stopping pain signals, which could make them feel pain more intensely. They tested 52 people with autism and compared them to 52 people without autism, who were the same age and gender. They used heat to create different pain levels and asked the participants to rate how much it hurt. They also examined how the participants’ bodies responded to pain, such as whether their pain levels decreased over time. They found that people with autism felt pain more intensely than people without autism, especially when the pain lasted for a long time. People with autism also had a more challenging time stopping the pain signals from their bodies, which could make the pain last longer. This means that people with autism might be more sensitive to pain in their everyday lives, which is important for their caregivers to know.
The findings of this study are significant because they challenge the widely held belief that individuals with autism are indifferent to pain. Instead, the study shows that people with autism may experience pain more intensely and have less efficient ways of stopping pain signals from their bodies, especially in cases of long-lasting pain.
These findings have important implications for healthcare professionals and caregivers of people with autism. They highlight the need for improved pain management strategies and interventions for individuals with autism, as their pain may not be properly recognized or treated. It is also vital for healthcare professionals to be aware of the potential for increased pain sensitivity in individuals with autism, as this may affect their response to medical procedures or treatments.
These findings shed light on the complex nature of pain processing in individuals with autism and underscore the need for more research to better understand how to manage and treat pain in this population.
Frequently asked questions
Do people with autism feel pain more intensely?
Yes. In a study that compared 52 people with autism against 52 people without autism of the same age and gender, researchers used heat to create different pain levels. The people with autism rated the pain as more intense, especially when it lasted a long time. They are not indifferent to pain; many feel it more.
Do people with autism have a high pain tolerance?
That is the old belief, and this study challenges it. Earlier research suggested people on the autism spectrum have reduced pain sensitivity. But people with autism are more likely to under-report pain because social interaction and communication are harder for them. Quiet is not the same as comfortable. The study found greater pain sensitivity, not less.
Why do people with autism feel pain more?
The researchers found that people with autism have a harder time stopping pain signals from their bodies. In most people, the body turns pain down over time. In people with autism that braking system works less efficiently, so pain can feel stronger and last longer. That matters most with long-lasting pain.
What are the common signs of autism?
Autism spectrum disorder affects people differently. Common signs include trouble with social interaction such as eye contact and making friends, repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping or lining up toys, late language development, sensitivity to sounds, textures or lights, and intense fixed interests. Not everyone shows every sign, and some signs appear only as a child gets older.
How should pain be managed in someone with autism?
Pain in people with autism may not be recognized or treated properly, so caregivers and clinicians need to look for it rather than wait to hear about it. Doctors should expect that a person with autism may feel more pain during medical procedures or treatments and plan for it. Managing their pain calls for a specific approach.
Dr. Gurpreet Singh Padda, MD, MBA, MHP
