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Functional Neurological Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Complex and Potentially Significant Relationship

Gonzalez‐Herrero, B; Happé, F; Nicholson, TR; Morgante, F; Pagonabarraga, J; Deeley, Q; Edwards, MJ (2024) Functional Neurological Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Complex and Potentially Significant Relationship. Brain and Behavior, 14 (12). e70168. ISSN 2162-3279 https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.70168
SGUL Authors: Morgante, Francesca

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Abstract

Introduction Functional neurological disorder (FND) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are two complex neuropsychiatric conditions that have been historically classified within psychiatric domains, resulting in a lack of extensive research, insufficient clinical recognition, and persistent societal stigma. In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition among professionals and affected individuals of their possible overlap. This review explores the potential clinical and mechanistic overlap between FND and ASD, with particular attention to shared symptoms across sensory, motor, and psychiatric domains. Methods We conducted a narrative analysis utilizing the PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect databases from inception to June 2024. The search employed specific MeSH terms related to ASD and FND. Given the limited data availability, we included all relevant articles that explored the potential connections between FND and ASD, focusing on established findings and theoretical hypotheses areas. Results Scientific evidence indicates that FND and ASD may co‐occur more frequently than previously acknowledged and with notable overlaps in their clinical presentations and pathophysiology. Theoretical models that have been applied to FND and ASD, such as the Bayesian brain theory and the tripartite model of autism, may provide valuable insights into the intersection of these conditions. Although much of the current evidence remains speculative, it underscores the need for hypothesis‐driven research to investigate these potential connections further. Conclusion ASD and FND are heterogeneous conditions that appear to co‐occur in a subset of individuals, with overlapping symptomatology and possibly shared underlying mechanisms. This hypothesis‐generating review emphasizes the need for further research to better understand these links, ultimately aiming to improve clinical recognition and develop targeted interventions that enhance the quality of life for affected individuals.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: © 2024 The Author(s). Brain and Behavior published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Keywords: Bayesian brain, autism spectrum disorder, clinical overlap, functional neurological disorder, interoception, review, Humans, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Nervous System Diseases, Comorbidity
SGUL Research Institute / Research Centre: Academic Structure > Neuroscience & Cell Biology Research Institute
Academic Structure > Neuroscience & Cell Biology Research Institute > Neuromodulation & Motor Control
Journal or Publication Title: Brain and Behavior
ISSN: 2162-3279
Language: en
Media of Output: Print
Related URLs:
Publisher License: Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0
URI: https://openaccess.sgul.ac.uk/id/eprint/117691
Publisher's version: https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.70168

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