ADHD and Autism Overlap: Shared Traits and Support

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD relate in several ways. While ADHD isn’t on the autism spectrum, it shares common symptoms with ASD, such as attention issues and social challenges. This can make separating the two conditions difficult.

Furthermore, the CDC reports that 14% of children diagnosed with ADHD also have ASD. This high co-occurrence rate means establishing an accurate diagnosis is critical to providing the appropriate interventions needed to manage the conditions. Misdiagnosis can interferefrom getting the proper support, and negatively impacting development and quality of life.

In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between ADHD and Autism, particularly their overlapping symptoms and similarities.

ADHD and Autism

ADHD and Autism are distinct conditions that affect individuals in different ways.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism affects how you communicate and behave. It is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that presents a range of challenges in communication and behavior.

You might find it hard to:

• Understand social cues
• Express your emotions
• Adapt to changes in your routine

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD impacts your focus, energy, and impulses. ADHD is characterized by focus and attention difficulties, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can make it challenging to complete tasks, follow through on responsibilities, and interact with others.

Relationship Between ADHD and Autism

Historically, the DSM did not allow dual diagnoses of ADHD and autism. The DSM-IV explicitly prohibited diagnosing both conditions simultaneously to avoid potential misclassification.

However, with the publication of the DSM-5 in 2013, this restriction was lifted. Clinicians can now diagnose both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD in the same individual, acknowledging the significant overlap between the two conditions.

About 30% of children with Autism also show ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and impulsivity.

Before DSM-5, children with ASD couldn’t receive a formal ADHD diagnosis. Studies highlight overlapping genetic risks and neuroanatomical similarities. This shift supports dual diagnoses. It enables more tailored treatments, like using stimulants to improve focus during autism therapies.

It also opens research into shared risk factors and subtypes. Clinicians can better address the challenges of both Autism and ADHD, improving outcomes for individuals.

Now, how are ADHD and autism genetically linked? They share a significant genetic overlap, with 50–72% of their genetic architecture in common. This explains why they often co-occur in individuals or families.

A study of 121 families found that parental ADHD and Autism symptoms predict similar traits in children. Maternal ADHD specifically links to offspring Autism traits, even when controlling for maternal autism. Interestingly, maternal hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms predict similar traits in daughters, but Autism traits in parents don't predict ADHD traits in offspring as strongly.

Autism and ADHD Overlapping Symptoms

ADHD and Autism share several common symptoms.

1. Attention Regulation: Both Autistic individuals and those with ADHD may find it hard to sustain attention, shift focus, and disengage from stimuli. According to Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc, "AuDHDers may experience hyperfocus, but also hyper-attention depending on the task/activity."
2. Social Difficulties: If you have Autism or ADHD, you might find it tough to understand social cues and maintain relationships. AuDHDers may have differences in social-emotional reciprocity and they may mind-wander during conversations.
3. Sensory Processing: Sensory sensitivities are common in both Autism and ADHD. Maggie Bowlby explains, "children with ASD may display high sensitivity or insensitivity to sensory input, such as light or noise, which can also be observed in children with ADHD."
4. Emotional Regulation: Both conditions can lead to intense or impulsive emotional reactions. AuDHDers may have difficulty identifying and expressing their emotions appropriately, leading to misunderstandings or social challenges.

Diagnosis Challenges

ADHD and Autism overlapping symptoms might lead you to an incorrect diagnosis. This misdiagnosis can stop your child from getting the proper support and interventions they need.

A thorough evaluation is critical to telling Autism and ADHD apart. Make sure to consider all aspects of your child’s development, including:

• Language
• Social skills
• Attention
• Behavior
• Mood
• Academic skills
• Play skills
• Motor skills

Neuropsychological evaluations and assessments by healthcare providers are important in this process.

Impact on Individuals

Managing daily tasks can be tougher when you have both Autism and ADHD. Co-occurring conditions make it harder to handle:

• Emotions
• Sleep
• Eating habits

This struggle often impacts your academic performance.

Personal stories from individuals with AuDHD highlight the internal conflicts between Autism and ADHD traits. One person shares, "Having autism and ADHD is like having a wife and a mistress, although I’m not always sure which is which as they can be subject to change, rivalry and the odd spat." These experiences show how complex it is to navigate life with both conditions.

Treatment Approaches

Managing Autism and ADHD involves various treatment strategies.

Therapy for Autism

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is commonly used. It helps with communication skills and managing sensory sensitivities.

ABA is an evidence-based therapy endorsed by the US Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association. It improves:

• Intellectual functioning
• Language development
• Daily living skills
• Social functioning

Research shows that intensive (25–40 hours per week) and long-term (1–3 years) ABA therapy yields the best results.

Therapy for ADHD

Managing ADHD involves various strategies according to your age, needs, and circumstances.

1. Behavior Therapy

For children under 6, parent training in behavior management is the first-line treatment. This equips you with strategies to manage your child’s behavior effectively and is as effective as medication in young children.

For children 6 and older, behavior therapy combines with medication. This includes:

• Behavioral interventions in classrooms
• Peer-based interventions
• Organizational skills training

2. Medications

Medications are a key option. Stimulants are the most common and effective, helping 70–80% of children. Non-stimulants act slower, last up to 24 hours, and offer alternatives for some.

Selecting and adjusting the right medication and dosage is important to balance benefits and minimize side effects like sleep issues or appetite loss.

3. School-Based Supports

So, how can schools assist? They can implement behavioral classroom interventions and provide additional support to help manage symptoms.

For adults, treatments include medication, psychotherapy, education, or a combination. Ongoing care is essential across the lifespan to ensure the best outcomes.

Wrap Up

Both Autism and ADHD affect your attention regulation, social interactions, sensory processing, and emotional control, which often leads to misdiagnoses. Historically, you couldn't receive separate diagnoses, but now dual diagnoses are recognized.

This ADHD and Autism overlap means you need the right interventions. You might struggle with managing daily tasks, emotional regulation, and social reciprocity. Personal stories show that misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can significantly impact your development and quality of life.

The strategies differ but often complement each other. Therapy for Autism and behavioral or medication-based strategies for ADHD can work together. Support through therapy, school interventions, and ongoing care is important for improving outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone have traits of both without a formal diagnosis?

Yes, many individuals resonate with traits from both conditions but may not meet the criteria for an official diagnosis.

What are common strengths of AuDHD individuals?

Many AuDHDers are creative, highly focused on passions, adaptable, and often excel in thinking outside the box.

How can someone with AuDHD manage sensory differences?

Using sensory tools like noise-canceling headphones, creating a sensory-friendly environment, and taking breaks can help balance stimulation needs.

How can AuDHD affect relationships?

Social challenges, like interpreting cues or maintaining attention in conversations, can be common. Clear communication and patience from both sides are key.