Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD are related in several ways. ADHD is not on the autism spectrum, but they have some of the same symptoms. And having one of these conditions increases the chances of having the other.
Experts have changed the way they think about how autism and ADHD are related. The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) said that a person couldn’t have autism and ADHD. But the newest version (DSM-5), published in 2013, allows for a person to be diagnosed with both.
But let me back up a bit and talk about how the symptoms of autism and ADHD can overlap. Here are two examples:
Trouble paying attention: Kids with autism may struggle with this for several reasons. One is that language difficulties can make it seem like kids aren’t paying attention to directions. But it may be that they just don’t understand the directions.
Trouble socially: ADHD can affect social skills. This can include avoiding eye contact and getting into other people’s personal space.
Sometimes these overlapping symptoms cause a child to be incorrectly diagnosed. If you’re concerned about a possible misdiagnosis, talk to your child’s doctor. Doctors are used to having these kinds of conversations and can even help you get a second opinion.
Also, having one condition increases the chances of having symptoms of the other. Many developmental issues are like this— they’re likely to occur together. For example, kids with language issues are more likely to have reading disorders.
That’s why you have to consider all aspects of a child’s developmental functioning. This includes language, social skills, attention, behavior, mood, academic skills, social skills, play skills, and motor skills. A neuropsychological evaluation and/or assessment by a health care provider will look at all of these areas.
Autism and ADHD are related genetically, too. A person with autism has a bigger chance of having a close relative with ADHD or another developmental disorder. We need more research to better understand the connection, though.
Because kids with autism and ADHD can have similar signs, some of the ways to help with one can be helpful for the other. For example, kids with both usually benefit from sticking to a routine and knowing what to expect.
But there are big differences in the type of therapy recommended for each. Therapy for autism, like applied behavior analysis, can help with communication skills. It can also help reduce repetitive behaviors, which is one of the hallmarks of autism.
Therapy for ADHD is geared toward improving attention and organization. It’s often paired with ADHD medication. But this medication may not help kids who don’t have ADHD.
I know from working with many families that it would help if each condition were neatly separated from the other. But that isn’t the reality. Learning more about each is a good first step toward understanding the complicated ways they’re related.
FAQs
According to the scientific literature, 50 to 70% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also present with comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). From a clinical perspective, this high rate of comorbidity is intriguing. What is the real significance of this dual diagnosis?
What do ADHD and autism look like together? ›
Hallmarks of autism and ADHD often overlap — social challenges, sensory differences, only focusing on things of interest, and trouble with transitions, among other signs.
What percentage of people with ADHD have autism? ›
An estimated 30 to 80 percent of children with autism also meet the criteria for ADHD and, conversely, 20 to 50 percent of children with ADHD for autism. Given the size of the overlap, scientists are beginning to rethink the relationship between the two conditions and to look for common biological roots.
Can ADHD and autism mask each other? ›
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may mask autism in children who have both conditions.
Are ADHD and autism genetically linked? ›
Scientists have long suspected that autism and ADHD share genetic roots. Up to 80 percent of people with autism also meet the criteria for ADHD. Both conditions are highly heritable and often co-occur in families.
What does high functioning autism look like? ›
Symptoms of High-Functioning Autism
They don't make much eye contact or small talk. People on the spectrum who are high-functioning can also be very devoted to routine and order. They might have repetitive and restrictive habits that seem odd to others. There's a wide range of how they do with school and work.
Is ADHD on a spectrum? ›
Experts now consider ADHD to be on a spectrum, as each person can experience varying levels of symptom severity. There are also different types of ADHD, which cause different types of symptoms. When diagnosing ADHD, a doctor will use set criteria to determine the type and severity of ADHD.
Which is more rare autism or ADHD? ›
ADHD is more common than ASD. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), ADHD affects 9% of children aged 3–17, and 4% of adults. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1–2% of people across North America, Asia, and Europe have ASD.
Are you born with ADHD? ›
Genetics. ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.
How to tell if you have ADHD or autism? ›
Children with autism struggle to focus on things that they don't like, such as reading a book or doing a puzzle. And they may fixate on things that they do like, such as playing with a particular toy. Kids with ADHD often dislike and avoid things they'll have to concentrate on.
Appearing overly rehearsed: If someone appears to be using rehearsed scripts or phrases in social situations, this could be a sign of masking. Lack of eye contact: While avoiding eye contact can also be a symptom of autism, it can also be a way for individuals to hide their true emotions and reactions.
Am I on the autism spectrum as a female? ›
The most obvious behaviours we associate with autism are rocking, hand flapping, repetition of words or phrases, and rocking or spinning. However, women with autism may display other stimming behaviours such as skin picking, feet rubbing, pacing, or hair twirling.
Will a child have autism if the father has ADHD? ›
ADHD and autism are two neurodevelopmental disorders with a high hereditary transition. Some studies have reported that ADHD and autism pass from mother to child, and some studies have reported they pass from the father.
Is ADHD on the neurodivergent spectrum? ›
Neurodivergent is a non-medical umbrella term that describes people with variation in their mental functions, and can include conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other neurological or developmental conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Can a ADHD child be gifted? ›
ADHD and giftedness are often considered learning differences, as they affect how you learn. There's a good deal of overlap in their symptoms and characteristics, which can make them challenging to distinguish from one another. Plus, it's not uncommon for gifted children to also have ADHD.
