Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Are Autism and ADHD Connected?ComplicationsDiagnosisSupportKeep in Mind
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Are Autism and ADHD Connected?
Complications
Diagnosis
Support
Keep in Mind
Close
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) andautism spectrum disorder(ASD) are both noted as neurodevelopmental disorders in the DSM-5, however, contemporary perspectives emphasize that they’re just different neurotypes from what is considered neurotypical. Even so,neurodivergencecan lead to challenges, though neurodiversity reflects a variety of strengths among humanity.
While approximately 10% of the population has ADHD, some research has shown that 40% ofautistic people have ADHD, with other studies suggesting that the rate may be closer to 70%.Conversely, while 2-3% of people are autistic, 20-50% of those with ADHD are also autistic.
In this article, we discuss the connection betweenADHD and autismand how these diagnoses present when they co-exist.
Maskot / Getty Images
As the statistics above indicate, people with ADHD are significantly more likely to be autistic compared to those who do not have ADHD, and vice versa.
However, before 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders indicated that an individual could not meet the diagnostic criteria for both diagnoses.Despite this requirement, thecomorbidityrate of diagnosing both autism and ADHD was 45% at this time.
ADHD and autism share common characteristics, including inattention, atypical movement (such as fidgeting orstimming behaviors), social difficulties, and differences in learning style.Both autistic people and those with ADHD can experiencesensory sensitivitiesas well.
Despite the overlap, though, current research indicates thatADHD and autism are distinct, separate diagnoses rather than one neurotype on the same spectrum.
Potential Complications
Due to symptom overlap, autistic individuals who also have ADHD might have more difficulty receiving anaccurate diagnosis.
Many diagnostic scales emphasize symptoms—more commonly referred to as traits or characteristics—as they tend to manifest when the individual only meets the criteria for autism or ADHD rather than both diagnoses. So a unique combination of symptoms that may not neatly fit into just one diagnostic “box” can be overlooked ormisunderstood.
Even though an autistic person is more likely to have ADHD than someone who is not autistic, and someone with ADHD is more likely to be autistic than someone who does not have ADHD, professionals often only assess for one diagnosis at a time.
If you have one diagnosis, it may be beneficial to request testing for the other if you feel that your existing diagnosis does not fully describe your experience.
Sometimes, autistic people with ADHD may have difficulty functioning in a world created forneurotypicalbrains. Sensory issues andexecutive dysfunctioncan make many daily tasks challenging. If you are struggling, look into what support services might be available to you.
More Women Are Getting Diagnosed With Autism Than Ever Before
Diagnosing AuDHD
Most psychological evaluations for any diagnosis will include a diagnostic interview, during which they will ask several questions about history, symptoms, mental health, and traits that might be consistent with ADHD or autism. Since neurodevelopmental diagnoses like ADHD and autism occur from birth or early childhood, this interview will likely include questions about early developmental years.
Diagnosing ADHD
Measures commonly used to diagnose ADHD include:
What to Know About Adult ADHD Testing
Diagnosing Autism
Measures used to diagnose autism include:
Depending on your presenting concerns, an evaluator might also complete a cognitive assessment (also known as anIQ test). Some autistic people or those with ADHD have learning difficulties, and the IQ test may provide valuable information about how to support your learning.
They may also administer screeners for various other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression, that can co-occur with autism and ADHD.
Who Can Diagnose Autism in Adults?
Support for People with AuDHD
Since the world is not set up for autistic and ADHD brains, many people with either or both diagnoses need support for daily living, work, finances, or other areas. Traditionally, “treatment” forautismand ADHD has emphasized making the person act or appear neurotypical rather than supporting their needs. This has led to increasedburnoutand trauma symptoms and is increasingly discouraged.
These organizations offer more information on supporting autistic people with ADHD or for finding support regarding your own diagnoses:
Rather than encouraging autistic people with ADHD to hide their traits, support looks like creating environments where their needs are met without having to hide ormask. Listen to community members, and make decisions about support based on what autistic and ADHD folks say is helpful to them.
As an Autistic Therapist, Here Are 6 Things in My Sensory Bag That Just Make Sense
7 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Hours C, Recasens C, Baleyte JM.ASD and ADHD comorbidity: what are we talking about?Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:837424.
Rusting R.Decoding the overlap between autism and ADHD.Spectrum. Published online 2018.
Gordon-Lipkin E, Marvin AR, Law JK, Lipkin PH.Anxiety and mood disorder in children with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.Pediatrics. 2018;141(4):e20171377.
Sokolova E, Oerlemans AM, Rommelse NN, et al.A causal and mediation analysis of the comorbidity between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Adhd) and autism spectrum disorder(Asd).J Autism Dev Disord. 2017;47(6):1595-1604.
Mayes SD, Calhoun SL, Mayes RD, Molitoris S.Autism and ADHD: Overlapping and discriminating symptoms.Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. 2012;6(1):277-285.
Meet Our Review Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
What is your feedback?
