The ADHD and Autism Overlap: FAQs, Symptoms, & Co-Occurrence

Today, we’re tackling a topic that might seem a bit tricky at first, but it’s well worth exploring. We’re talking about the overlap between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

You’ve probably heard these terms tossed around, but what does it really mean when someone says their child has ADHD and is “on the spectrum”? Can a person actually have both conditions at once? How do you, as a parent, teacher, or caretaker, help a kid navigate the unique challenges that arise from this co-occurrence?

Below, we’ll define ADHD and Autism, help you understand how they can overlap, explore common symptoms, and share tips for supporting children who have both conditions.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with daily life activities. 

Kids (and adults) with ADHD might struggle to stay focused on tasks, have a hard time sitting still for extended periods, and act on impulses without thinking through the consequences.

Although ADHD is often recognized during early childhood, typically in the elementary school years, some people go undiagnosed until adolescence or even adulthood. This often happens because the symptoms can vary significantly and may be mistaken for other issues, such as anxiety, mood disorders, or simply high energy.

In general, ADHD can include a predominantly inattentive presentation, a predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation, or a combined presentation that displays both sets of symptoms.

A child with a predominantly inattentive presentation might appear forgetful, easily distracted, and daydreamy, while another child with a predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation might have trouble sitting still, exhibit fidgety or restless behaviors, and interrupt conversations. 

When a person shows aspects of both inattention and hyperactivity or impulsivity, this is referred to as a combined presentation. No matter which type a child may have, proper understanding and interventions can go a long way in helping them thrive.

What Is Autism?

Autism, officially known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is another neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. It’s called a “spectrum” because it encompasses a wide range of characteristics, abilities, and developmental trajectories. 

Children or adults on the autism spectrum often exhibit challenges with social communication, such as difficulties with back-and-forth conversations or reading nonverbal cues like facial expressions or gestures. 

They may also show restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, which can include intense interest in specific topics or activities, a need for strict routines, or repetitive movements like hand-flapping or rocking. Additionally, sensory sensitivities are commonly reported, with people on the spectrum sometimes being hypersensitive or under-sensitive to noise, light, textures, or tastes.

Just like ADHD, autism doesn’t look the same in every individual. For example, some children on the spectrum may be highly verbal yet struggle with subtle social cues, while others might be minimally verbal and excel in areas requiring intense focus. 

The key is recognizing that autism varies widely and understanding that every individual’s unique presentation warrants personalized support.

The Overlap: Can ADHD and Autism Co-Occur?

Many people wonder whether ADHD and autism can occur together. The short answer is a resounding yes. Individuals—especially children—can indeed have both conditions. 

Research suggests that a significant portion of those with autism also meet the criteria for ADHD and vice versa. In fact, some studies estimate that anywhere from 40% to 70% of individuals on the autism spectrum also show signs of ADHD.

Historically, medical professionals were hesitant to diagnose both conditions in one person, partly due to older guidelines that treated them as mutually exclusive. However, more recent editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5 and beyond) clarified that the two can co-occur. 

This has led to a better understanding of how symptoms might overlap and interact and why it’s crucial to explore the possibility of a dual diagnosis if a child’s behaviors align with both sets of criteria.

Why do these conditions overlap so frequently? One explanation is that ADHD and autism are both considered neurodevelopmental disorders, which means they involve similar genetic and neurological factors that can manifest as shared or intersecting behaviors. 

Certain developmental pathways and brain regions may be affected in ways that influence impulse control, attention, social understanding, and other skills. As a result, children with both ADHD and autism can present a complex mix of symptoms that require informed and nuanced support.

What Are the Shared Symptoms Between ADHD and Autism?

ADHD and autism share certain traits but also retain distinct characteristics that make them unique. When both conditions appear in the same individual, the result can be a complex interplay of behaviors that vary from one child to another.

Executive Function Challenges

One of the more prominent shared features revolves around executive functioning challenges. These can include problems with organization, planning, and task initiation or completion. A child who struggles with executive functioning might have trouble keeping track of homework assignments, knowing how to start a task, or remaining focused once they do begin. 

Social Struggles

Social struggles are another point of overlap. A child with ADHD might have a hard time following social rules due to impulsivity or inattention, while a child with autism may find it difficult to read nonverbal cues or engage in typical “small talk.” In both situations, the child experiences obstacles in social settings, though for different underlying reasons.

What Are the Distinctions Between ADHD and Autism?

There are also crucial differences. Repetitive behaviors and intense interests are central features of autism, whereas a child with ADHD might act impulsively but isn’t as likely to develop strict or ritualistic routines in the same manner. 

By contrast, hyperactivity is more commonly linked to ADHD and might manifest as incessant movement or fidgeting, though some individuals on the autism spectrum do display high activity levels as well. Sensory sensitivities are core to autism but can also appear in some children with ADHD, albeit less consistently.

When ADHD and autism coincide, you might see a blend of social communication challenges, impulsivity, and possible repetitive behaviors. This combination can heighten difficulties in a child’s school life, social relationships, and everyday routines, making it essential to understand these conditions holistically.

FAQs About the ADHD-Autism Overlap

1. Can a child be diagnosed with both ADHD and autism?

The answer is yes. Modern diagnostic criteria allow for a “dual diagnosis” if a child meets the standards for both conditions. This dual diagnosis approach acknowledges that individuals may need support for both sets of symptoms and can benefit from comprehensive interventions.

2. How can I know if a child has both ADHD and autism?

Typically, this requires a thorough evaluation from a trained professional such as a psychologist, neuropsychologist, developmental pediatrician, or psychiatrist. These professionals will examine the child’s development, behavior, and symptoms over time, often gathering input from parents, teachers, and other caregivers. 

It’s important to realize that not every child will display the same mix of issues, so a detailed assessment is key.

3. Can having both diagnoses make a child’s symptoms worse?

The co-occurrence can indeed intensify challenges in social settings, academics, and daily routines since the child might grapple with overlapping issues like inattention and social communication struggles. 

However, with proper interventions—such as behavioral therapy, social skills training, and educational resources like Hero Journey Club—kids can develop a set of coping strategies that empower them in various areas of life.

4. Are there specialized treatments or interventions for ADHD and autism?

In many cases, the best approach is a multidisciplinary one. Interventions might include therapy aimed at managing ADHD symptoms, social skills training for behaviors linked to autism, speech or occupational therapy for communication or sensory needs, and possibly medication to address severe inattention or hyperactivity. 

Having a cohesive plan that addresses both sets of symptoms is often the most effective way forward.

Common Symptoms To Watch For

Families who suspect that their child might have both ADHD and autism should stay alert for a variety of potential signs. 

• Focus: noticeable difficulty starting and completing tasks unless the tasks are highly interesting to the child.
  
• Impulsivity: constant interrupting, blurting out answers, or taking risks without apparent concern for the consequences.
  
• Hyperactivity: an almost unstoppable need for movement or a pattern of fidgeting. Repetitive behaviors could include hand-flapping, rocking, or an intense fixation on a specific topic.
  
• Social communication: the child might not pick up on facial expressions or is unsure how to engage in a back-and-forth exchange.
  
• Sensory sensitivities: can appear as strong aversions to certain lights, noises, or textures. Some children with ADHD also have heightened reactions to sensory stimuli, though this is not always as consistent.
  
• Difficulty with routines: possibly showing up as an intense need for structure or, conversely, a reluctance to follow routines.
  
• Emotional dysregulation: can accompany all of these symptoms, leading to frequent meltdowns or trouble calming down after an upsetting event. 

Not every child will display each symptom, but any combination of these warrants further exploration and, if needed, professional evaluation.

Assessing and Diagnosing the Overlap

Determining whether a child’s behaviors stem from “just ADHD,” “just autism,” or a mix of both can be a daunting task. Professionals often begin with an initial screening, which might involve a developmental questionnaire or direct observation. If red flags appear, a referral to a specialist is the next step. 

At that point, a comprehensive evaluation typically looks at the child’s entire developmental history, noting when specific milestones were met or missed, and gathering detailed observations from various settings like home, school, or daycare.

Tests that measure attention span, executive functioning, social skills, and cognitive abilities may be administered. Input from teachers, babysitters, or extended family members can be invaluable since these individuals may observe the child in different environments. 

A team approach is frequently employed, where professionals from multiple disciplines—psychology, psychiatry, speech therapy, and occupational therapy—collaborate to gain a holistic view of the child’s strengths and challenges. 

Because ADHD and autism can present in so many forms, and because they can sometimes mimic or coexist with other conditions (such as anxiety or learning disabilities), a thorough diagnostic process is essential for crafting the most effective support plan.

How Are ADHD and Autism Managed?

When a child has both ADHD and autism, parents and caregivers often ask how to help that child thrive. Numerous interventions, therapies, and strategies are available, and the best plan is typically a customized one that fits the child’s unique needs profile.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy can be especially helpful for children with ADHD and autism. By identifying and reinforcing desired behaviors, while redirecting or discouraging undesired actions, this approach helps kids learn self-regulation and appropriate ways to respond to everyday situations. 

Medications

Medication can be part of the plan for managing severe inattention or hyperactivity, although it’s important to remember there is no single pill that addresses both autism and ADHD in a universal way.

Social Skills

Social skills training is a powerful tool for children with co-occurring conditions. Kids learn how to initiate conversations, respect personal space, interpret body language, and handle conflicts. In some cases, speech therapy may be recommended, especially if the child struggles with expressive or receptive language. 

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy can address motor coordination difficulties or sensory sensitivities and can help a child develop practical strategies for everyday tasks, such as writing, using utensils, or coping with overstimulating environments.

Educational Accommodations

Educational accommodations can greatly assist students in a school setting. Plans like an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan may provide extra time for tests, a quieter workspace, or visual supports that help the child stay organized. 

Hero Journey Club

In addition, kids and teens with autism and ADHD can get extra support from programs like Hero Journey Club, which provide a safe and supportive environment for learning new skills and making valuable connections.

Parents and guardians should also explore support groups or community resources since connecting with other families facing similar journeys can offer new insights, tips, and emotional support.

Practical Tips for Day-to-Day Life

Beyond formal interventions, parents often find success with a few practical strategies that make daily life smoother. 

• Establishing consistent routines can help children who crave predictability or struggle with task transitions. Visual schedules or calendars that outline daily tasks let children know what’s coming next and reduce anxiety about the unknown.
  
• Clear and concise communication is crucial since many children with ADHD and autism do better with short instructions and direct demonstrations.
  
• Breaking tasks into smaller steps helps avoid overwhelming them, and incorporating movement breaks can release pent-up energy or reduce anxiety.
  
• Some children benefit from sensory tools like noise-canceling headphones or fidget items, which can help them cope with overstimulating environments.
  
• Celebrating small wins is often overlooked but can work wonders for a child’s self-esteem. Progress may come in small increments, so acknowledging each step forward helps reinforce a child’s sense of accomplishment and encourages them to keep trying. Even a tiny improvement, like sitting for an additional five minutes or successfully communicating a need, deserves recognition.

Supporting Kids With ADHD and Autism

Navigating a dual diagnosis of ADHD and autism can feel like being on a quest filled with twists, turns, and a cast of supporting characters — from teachers to therapists and beyond. At the center of it is your child, the hero who needs understanding and guidance as they figure out how to succeed in a world that may not always accommodate their differences.

Hero Journey Club can help. Sign your child up for their first session today. 

Sources

Preschoolers and ADHD | Child Mind Institute

What is occupational therapy? | AOTA

Types of Autism: Terminology That’s No Longer Used Today | Healthline

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

ASD and ADHD Comorbidity: What Are We Talking About? | PMC