Is Hypermobility Linked to Autism? Separating Fact from Fiction

Key Highlights

• Joint hypermobility — where joints move beyond the usual range — is common in the general population but occurs more frequently in autistic individuals.
• Research suggests higher prevalence of hypermobility among people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) compared with neurotypical peers.
• Shared features like motor coordination challenges and sensory processing differences may underlie the connection.
• Genetic and connective tissue factors are being explored as possible links but no direct causation has been established.
• Awareness of hypermobility in autistic individuals can support more holistic care.

What Is Hypermobility?

Hypermobility refers to joints that extend farther than typical — for example, being able to bend a thumb back toward the wrist or touch the floor with flat palms when stretching forward. In many people, this flexibility causes no pain or functional issues.

However, hypermobility can be part of a larger set of conditions when it leads to pain, instability, or other symptoms, such as:

• Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD)
• Hypermobile Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)

These conditions involve differences in connective tissue structure, affecting joints, ligaments, and sometimes other body systems.

Prevalence of Hypermobility in Autism

Studies indicate that hypermobility appears more often in people with autism than in the general population. Some research shows that around 40–60% of children with ASD exhibit hypermobile joints, which is significantly higher than rates in neurotypical children.

Although not all autistic individuals are hypermobile — and not all hypermobile individuals are autistic — research shows a clear trend of higher co‑occurrence.

Why Might There Be a Link?

1. Shared Biological and Genetic Factors

Genetic overlaps between connective tissue traits and autism may exist without implying causation. Differences in connective tissue and nervous system function could contribute to the co-occurrence of these traits.

2. Overlapping Symptoms

Both hypermobility and autism can involve:

• Motor coordination difficulties
• Sensory sensitivity
• Autonomic regulation differences (e.g., heart rate or digestion)

This overlap may partly explain why the two conditions are seen together more often than by chance.

3. Neurodevelopmental and Musculoskeletal Interactions

Some researchers suggest that connective tissue development may influence nervous system function, potentially linking musculoskeletal and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Important: a link does not mean one causes the other. Hypermobility is not a diagnostic marker for autism, nor is autism a cause of hypermobility.

Why This Matters for Care

Recognizing the overlap between hypermobility and autism can help caregivers and clinicians make more comprehensive care plans, including:

• Physical therapy to support joint stability and reduce injury risk.
• Pain management strategies when joint discomfort arises.
• Occupational therapy to improve motor skills and daily functioning.

These strategies can be especially useful when sensory or motor challenges are present alongside hypermobility and autism traits.

Common Misconceptions

• Myth: Hypermobility means someone is autistic.
• Fact: While hypermobility is more common in autistic people, it is not a diagnostic sign and can occur in anyone.

• Myth: All autistic individuals with hypermobility have a connective tissue disorder like EDS.
• Fact: Many people with flexible joints do not meet criteria for a connective tissue disorder; clinical evaluation is needed.

Final Thoughts

Research shows that hypermobility is more prevalent among individuals with autism than in the general population, though the connection is complex and still under study. Understanding this overlap can help families and clinicians make more informed decisions about care.

If you’re navigating autism and hypermobility together and want guidance on tailored support and strategies, Apex ABA can help provide resources and guidance for families managing both needs. Reach out today!

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Sources:

• https://www.jabfm.org/content/34/4/838
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10457547/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1279/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34125746/
• https://www.healthline.com/health/autism/joint-hypermobility-autism
• https://moveupaba.com/blog/aba-therapy-vs-occupational-therapy/