Exploring the autism and functional neurological disorder association: Considerations from biopsychosocial, neuropsychological and computational models.

This is a theoretical synthesis, not an empirical study. It proposes mechanisms but does not test them. The authors acknowledge that the evidence for impaired emotion concept granularity as a causal factor in FND remains speculative. There is a lack of data on the likelihood of autistic individuals with specific traits (like hypermobility or motor impairment) developing FND. The review notes that sensory processing definitions are inconsistent across studies, making direct comparisons difficult.

Funding was provided by The Wellington Hospital, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the Medical Research Council (MRC). One author reports honoraria for textbooks and expert witness work. Another author holds shares in a private neurorehabilitation provider (Brain and Mind Ltd) and reports medicolegal work in FND.

Do not interpret this paper as evidence that autism causes functional neurological disorder or that any specific treatment works. It is a theoretical model proposing shared vulnerabilities. Clinical changes should be based on existing evidence for FND and autism, not on this untested hypothesis.