ADHD and Autism

Both ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are a type of neurodivergence. ADHD and Autism are distinct in their core traits, however, they share overlaps that can complicate diagnosis and understanding. This page explores Autism and ADHD including their differences, co-occurrence, and how they manifest together, particularly focusing on the diagnostic process in the UK and addressing common questions about their interrelation.

What is Autism?

Autism, or Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects how a person perceives the world and interacts with others. The term "spectrum" in Autism spectrum disorder refers to the wide variation in strengths and challenges possessed by each Autistic person. Autism is present from birth and influences the development of the brain in areas related to social interaction and communication skills. Learn more about Autism here.

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperative Disorder. The NHS defines it as “a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse”. Some ADHD traits include craving novelty and new experiences, hyperactivity, and difficulty regulating attention. Learn more about ADHD here.

How are ADHD and Autism different?

ADHD is characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, affecting a person’s' ability to focus, or remain still, for example. Autism, on the other hand, is predominantly characterised as struggles with social interaction, communication, and differing behaviour, often including repetitive behaviours and intense focus on specific interests. The primary distinction lies in Autism's emphasis on social communication challenges and ADHD's focus on attention and activity regulation. However, this doesn’t mean that ADHDers (people who have ADHD) do not struggle with social communication and interaction, and vice versa.

What Does ADHD and Autism look like together?

When ADHD and Autism coexist, a person may experience strengths and challenges from both spectrums. Often, these Autistic and ADHD traits may be counter-intuitive. For example, an Autistic person will appreciate and need a routine, however, if they also have ADHD they may be spontaneous and impulsive. This combination can be frustrating and require different support needs.

However, ADHD and Autism also share some traits. Some of these include:

Sensory sensitivity
Difficulty with executive function
Social communication
Mental health struggles
Emotional dysregulation
Repetitive behaviours and stimming
Difficulties switching between tasks

What percentage of people with ADHD are also Autistic?

Research suggests a significant overlap, with studies indicating that approximately 30-80% of Autistic people also exhibit traits of ADHD. Conversely, a smaller but notable percentage (20-50%) of those with ADHD may show traits of Autism, highlighting the blurred lines between the two.

How are ADHD and Autism diagnosed in the UK?

In the UK, the diagnosis of ADHD and Autism involves a multidisciplinary approach conducted by healthcare professionals. For Autism, assessments may include observations, interviews, and interaction assessments, focusing on communication, social interactions, and behaviour patterns. ADHD diagnosis typically involves gathering information from various sources, including school reports and parental observations, and may include questionnaires or behaviour rating scales.

Unfortunately, you cannot get tested for Autism and ADHD at the same time. This can be an issue for those who are both Autistic and have ADHD, as the two have opposing traits. This can often lead to a misdiagnosis or not being diagnosed at all, because of being deemed as not Autistic “enough”.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard to tell the difference between ADHD and Autism?
It can be challenging, especially since both can share symptoms like difficulties with executive functioning and focus. However, Autism and ADHD also share opposing traits like requiring routine yet being spontaneous and impulsive.

Q: Do people with ADHD have sensory issues?
Yes, while sensory sensitivities are more commonly associated with Autism, individuals with ADHD can also experience sensory processing issues, such as being hyper- or hypo-sensitive to sounds, textures, smells, or lights.

Q: Can ADHD and anxiety be mistaken for Autism?
Yes, the overlap in behavioural traits and challenges can sometimes lead to confusion. For example, social anxiety in ADHD could be mistaken for Autism's social communication challenges.