How Do Co-Occurring Conditions Affect Those with Autism?

January 19, 2024

How Do Co-Occurring Conditions Affect Those With Autism?

Government Panel Wants to Know

by Shaun Heasley | January 16, 2024

A federal panel charged with guiding the government’s autism efforts is looking for input on how other physical and mental health conditions impact those on the spectrum and the services they need.

The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, or IACC, is asking members of the public to weigh in on how so-called co-occurring conditions affect individuals with autism and the “research, services, and policy needs that may be helpful to consider in addressing issues related to these conditions.”

The panel comprised of government officials and members of the autism community is tasked with advising the secretary of health and human services and coordinating federal autism activities and it’s expected to use feedback collected to inform its recommendations.

Many people with autism experience physical conditions including gastrointestinal disorders, sleep disturbances, epilepsy, sensory and motor challenges, the panel said. Mental health issues can include depression, anxiety, aggressive or self-injurious behavior and suicidality, among others.

In addition, the IACC indicated that autism can present alongside learning disabilities, other intellectual and developmental disabilities and communication disabilities.

The panel wants to know about the most significant challenges that people with autism are facing as a result of co-occurring conditions and what research could be done to help address these issues.

What’s more, the IACC is asking for feedback on how autism services could be improved to better address co-occurring conditions in this population. That could include changes to make services more accessible, improve insurance coverage or alter interactions between individuals with autism and providers, among others, the committee said.

The IACC also wants to know how COVID-19 infection or illness as well as societal changes related to the pandemic have altered the physical or mental health conditions experienced by people with autism.

Members of the public have until Feb. 14 to submit comments to the IACC.

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Thank You for Making Active for Autism 2025 a Huge Success!

May 13, 2025

We’re still smiling from Active for Autism 2025 — and it’s all thanks to YOU! Whether you walked, ran, sponsored, volunteered, donated, or simply cheered us on, you helped make this year’s event one of the most impactful yet. Thanks to your incredible support, we raised $ 87,153.43 (and counting!) , marking a 24 % increase from last year. Every dollar goes directly toward programs and services that inform, support, and connect families of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across our community. The energy on event day was unmatched — from families walking hand-in-hand, to kids enjoying the Fun Fest, to teams showing up in vibrant shirts and big smiles. Your presence showed the true power of community. We are beyond grateful to our: Participants who showed up with passion and purpose Sponsors who helped make the event possible Vendors who brought fun and resources to the day Donors who gave generously Volunteers who offered their time, heart, and hands A Special Thank You to Our Co-Sponsors We are especially thankful for our co-sponsors whose generous support elevated this event: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner’s Children’s . Your partnership helped amplify our mission and impact. Thank you for standing with us! Thank You to All Our Sponsors We are grateful to all of our sponsors who make this event possible year after year. Your generosity directly supports families and individuals in our community. 2025 Active for Autism Sponsors: Presenting Platinum Sponsors: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner Children’s Hospital Gold Sponsors: REV, The Nirel Group Foundation Silver Sponsors: Olivier Group, Behavior Intervention Group, Louisiana Blue, Hood Container Corporation, and Mayor-President Sid Edwards Bronze Sponsors: BREC, Associates in Pediatric Dentistry, Wampold Companies, ACE Enterprises Inc., Ascent Behavior Therapy Center, Williams Photography, and Maughan Law Firm Patron Sponsors: BearCom of Baton Rouge, Gulf South Autism Center, The Baton Rouge Clinic AMC, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, Mercy Autism Center, Kidder & Schultz CPA LLC Governmental Supporters : State Senator Regina Barrow, Iberville Parish, and West Baton Rouge Parish Together, we’re making real change — not just during this event, but every day of the year. 📅 Mark your calendar : Active for Autism 2026 will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026 . We can’t wait to celebrate and walk alongside you again. From all of us at Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge: Thank you for helping us keep families informed, supported, and connected. We are families helping families. That’s what we do. That’s who we are.

Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge Hosts Annual Active for Autism 5K Run/Walk & Family Fun Fest on April 26, 2025

By Chanell Thomas • April 2, 2025