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Chronic Pain in Autism: A Systematic Review
Helena Garriga-Cazorla1,2, Josep Roman-Juan3, Lorena Martí1,2
1Department of Psychology, Unit for the Study and Treatment of Pain-ALGOS, Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC).
The Clinical Journal of Pain
|May 29, 2025
Summary
Autistic individuals experience chronic pain, like abdominal pain and migraines, similar to the general population. Accurate assessment and personalized management strategies are crucial for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Pain medicine
- Clinical psychology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social interaction and communication.
- Chronic pain is a significant concern in the general population, but its prevalence and impact in autistic individuals are less understood.
- Existing research on chronic pain in autistic individuals is limited, necessitating a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge.
Approach:
- Systematic review of scientific literature.
- Searched multiple electronic databases including PubMed/MedLine, CINHAL, PsychINFO, PubPsych, Scopus, and Web of Science.
- Included 26 eligible articles from 5603 identified citations, focusing on epidemiology, assessment, and management of chronic pain in autistic individuals.
Key Points:
- Chronic pain, particularly abdominal pain and migraines, affects autistic individuals.
- Pain assessment tools are often completed by proxies (parents, professionals) rather than self-report.
- Few studies address the psychological interventions for chronic pain management in this population.
Conclusions:
- Autistic individuals experience chronic pain conditions comparable to the general population.
- Accurate assessment and effective treatment of chronic pain in autistic individuals present challenges.
- There is a critical need for increased clinician awareness, early identification, and tailored management strategies for chronic pain in autistic individuals.
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