In this revisited episode, Dr. Robyn Thom discusses autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the psychiatric comorbidities that frequently accompany it. She reviews how ASD is diagnosed, the core domains of social communication differences and restricted or repetitive behaviors, and why treatment often focuses on co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, sleep disorders, and agitation. Dr. Thom also shares practical strategies for evaluating agitation, distinguishing overlapping symptoms, and selecting behavioral and pharmacologic interventions to support patients with ASD across the lifespan.

Robyn Thom, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and a staff psychiatrist at the Massachusetts General Hospital Lurie Center for Autism. She specializes in treating children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions, with clinical and research interests in psychiatric comorbidities, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Save $100 on registration for 2026 NEI Spring Congress with code NEIPOD26

Register today at nei.global/spring

Never miss an episode!🎙SUBSCRIBE to the NEI Podcast– available on all your favorite platforms: https://nei.global/podcast

Interested in Psychopharmacology? Learn about the NEI Master Psychopharmacology Program: https://nei.global/mpp

Stay updated with email alerts and join our conversations on social. Follow us on:

• YouTube: https://nei.global/youtube

• Instagram: https://nei.global/instagram

• LinkedIn: https://nei.global/linkedin

• Facebook: https://nei.global/facebook

• X: https://nei.global/twitter