Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) feel pain more strongly than neurotypical adults (adults without autism). This is especially true of pain that lasts a long time. They also have a harder time shutting down pain signals from their bodies. The Padda Institute Center for Interventional Pain Management provides personalized interventional pain management for adults living with ASD.
Did you know that adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may feel pain differently than other adults? A recent study found that people with ASD may feel pain more strongly. That challenges the old belief that they are indifferent to pain. As a leading center for interventional pain management, the Padda Institute Center for Interventional Pain Management is committed to full, advanced care that helps patients suffer less.
Do adults with autism feel pain more intensely?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a brain development disorder. It affects communication, social life and behavior. ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means it affects each person differently. Some people have big problems with communication and social life. Others have mild symptoms that are barely noticed.
It is key to know that adults with ASD may feel pain more strongly than other adults. A new study found that people with autism felt pain more strongly, especially when the pain lasted a long time. People with autism also had a harder time shutting down pain signals from their bodies. That could make the pain last longer.
Key Takeaways: The Impact of Pain Sensitivity in Adults with Autism
This study matters for health workers and for people who care for adults with autism. People with autism need better pain care, because their pain may not be seen or treated. Health workers need to know these adults may feel pain more. That may change how they react to medical procedures or treatments.
Frequently asked questions
How common is Autism Spectrum Disorder in adults?
Autism Spectrum Disorder lasts for life. So adults with ASD make up a large part of the ASD population. About 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with ASD in the United States.
How can healthcare professionals better manage pain in adults with autism?
When health workers know that adults with autism may be more sensitive to pain, they can fit their pain care to each person’s needs. That may mean using treatments that are not drugs, changing drug doses and closely watching how the person responds to treatment.
How can caregivers help support adults with autism experiencing pain?
Caregivers can play a key role in helping adults with autism manage pain. Watch for any signs of discomfort. Tell health workers about the person’s own pain experience. And speak up for the right pain care.
Do people with autism have a high pain tolerance?
No. The old belief was that people with autism are indifferent to pain, and a recent study challenges it. Adults with autism felt pain more strongly than other adults, not less. A calm face can hide real suffering. That is why their pain may not be noticed or treated.
Why does pain last longer in adults with autism?
People with autism have a harder time stopping pain signals from their bodies. When the body cannot turn those signals down, pain feels stronger and lasts longer. The study found the difference was greatest with pain that lasts a long time, which is exactly the kind of pain that becomes chronic.
Can an interventional pain clinic help adults with autism?
Yes. The Padda Institute Center for Interventional Pain Management gives personalized interventional pain care to adults with ASD. Their pain may feel stronger. That may change how they respond to procedures or treatments. So we plan care around each person. Are you, or someone you know, an adult with autism in chronic pain? Contact us.
Conclusion
At the Padda Institute Center for Interventional Pain Management, we know that adults with ASD may feel pain more strongly. Our team gives personalized care to help ease their pain. Are you, or someone you know, an adult with autism in chronic pain? Contact us for more facts and help.
Dr. Gurpreet Singh Padda, MD, MBA, MHP
