How Does ADHD and Autism Overlap?

ADHD and autism are neurodevelopmental conditions that are often compared, and sometimes confused or misdiagnosed for each other, because they share some causes and some traits. This guide explains the ADHD and autism overlap: shared traits, key differences and how to support someone who has both.

Want to learn more about ADHD? Read our simple guide: What is ADHD?

Even though autism and ADHD share many overlapping features, are both strongly genetic and tend to run in families, they are two different conditions with their own traits and diagnostic criteria. A person may be diagnosed with autism, ADHD or both.

Understanding and supporting people with ADHD, autism or both can be tricky. Good support recognizes the distinct features of each, and how autism ADHD overlap traits interact when they occur together.

Co-occurring Autism and ADHD

ADHD occurs in 30 to 80 percent of people with autism, and autism occurs in 20 to 50 percent of people with ADHD. So yes, someone can experience autism and ADHD together.

ADHD is one of the most common conditions that co-occur with autism, so autistic people are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their life than with most other conditions.

Can You Have Both ADHD and Autism?

Yes. Before 2013, the DSM-IV didn’t allow autism and ADHD to be diagnosed together, so many people received only one diagnosis. Since the DSM-5, clinicians can diagnose both when a person meets the criteria for each. That’s why many adults and older children are only now being recognized as having ADHD and autism combined.

Autism and ADHD Together in Adults

Many adults only discover they are both autistic and ADHD after a child’s diagnosis or a period of burnout. Common experiences include feeling torn between needing routine and craving novelty, exhaustion from masking, trouble starting tasks and frequent sensory overload. Women and girls are especially likely to be diagnosed late, because their traits are often quieter or masked.

Why the Co-Occurrence?

There are a few theories to explain why autism and ADHD so often occur together.

Family and twin studies show a major genetic overlap (50 to 72 percent) between the two conditions, which means genetics play a significant role in why they occur together in families and individuals.

Another theory looks at shared brain systems in the autism ADHD overlap, such as those involved in attention, reward and executive functioning. Researchers are still investigating to understand the exact reasons for the overlap of autism and ADHD.

What is AuDHD?

AuDHD is a commonly used, informal term that combines the two (autism and ADHD). It describes people who are both autistic and ADHD, and highlights how the two interact and the unique experiences of autistic ADHDers.

Is It Autism, ADHD, or Both?

Although autism and ADHD often co-occur and share many similar characteristics, they are distinct conditions, and both run in families.

Getting the right diagnosis early helps families and health professionals put the right support in place, so a person can build daily living skills, reach their goals and live a happier, more fulfilling life.

An important thing to remember is that an ADHD diagnosis or an autism diagnosis won’t change who your child is. It simply helps them understand themselves, and opens the door to the support and resources they need to thrive.

📌 MUST READ:
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What Are the Similarities Between ADHD and Autism?

Understanding ADHD and autism similarities, and how the two overlap, can lead to better outcomes through individualized therapies and support.

People who have traits of both ADHD and autism often need more support than people with only one of the two. They may find daily living and self-care skills, learning and social situations harder, and may experience more anxiety.

ADHD and autism share some similar features, but often for different reasons.

Many AuDHDers experience:

• Social communication differences
• Trouble focusing, or very intense focus
• Language differences
• Difficulties with executive functioning
• Impulsivity and high energy
• Sensory overload
• Less eye contact

Although social differences are not part of the ADHD diagnostic criteria, many people with ADHD still find social life hard. Children with ADHD may feel left out by peers and have few friends. These challenges often come from the core traits of ADHD.

For example, inattention can mean missing important social cues, impulsivity may upset peers, and hyperactivity can lead others to avoid them.

As with autism, ADHD is believed to involve many genes, most of which have only a small effect on their own.

On top of that, both ADHD and autism vary widely from person to person; the genes involved and their effects can differ from one individual to the next.

Key Differences Between Autism and ADHD

ADHD and autism differ mainly in how they affect attention, social communication and behavior, even though some traits overlap.

Here’s an easy-to-read breakdown:

1. Core differences

ADHD: differences in attention, impulsivity and activity levels.

Autism: differences in social communication and sensory processing, and a strong preference for routines.

2. Social behavior

ADHD: social difficulties usually come from impulsiveness, such as interrupting, not waiting for a turn or getting distracted.

Autism: social difficulties often come from reading cues differently, such as tone of voice, facial expressions, sarcasm or unspoken rules.

3. Communication style

ADHD: may be very talkative, change topics quickly or forget details.

Autism: may speak in a more direct, literal or structured way; some prefer to communicate less with speech, or are non-speaking.

4. Focus patterns

ADHD: easily distracted, or focus that comes and goes.

Autism: can have intense, deep focus on specific interests.

5. Sensory differences

ADHD: sensory differences happen but are less central.

Autism: sensory sensitivity or seeking certain sensations is a major part of autism.

6. Routines

ADHD: often finds routines and staying organized hard.

Autism: strongly values routines and may feel stressed when they change.

7. Developmental Signs

ADHD: usually noticed because of differences in behavior or focus.

Autism: often noticed because of differences in communication, interaction or play.

In Simple Terms:

ADHD: ADHD is mainly about regulating attention and activity levels.
Autism: Autism is mainly about social communication, sensory processing and routines.

Diagnostic Criteria for Autism & ADHD

DSM-5 Criteria for Diagnosing Autism

According to the DSM-5, autism is identified by differences in social communication and interaction, along with deep, focused interests and repetitive or restricted behaviors. ADHD is identified by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Examples of the autism criteria include:

1. Differences in Social and Emotional Reciprocity

• Speaking with an unusual rhythm or tone, such as a flat or sing-song voice
• Rarely starting or keeping up a conversation, or mainly starting one to ask for something or label things
• Expressing feelings differently, or finding other people’s feelings hard to read
• Finding it hard to start or respond to interactions
• Approaching social interaction in ways others don’t expect, such as being very direct, very passive or physically intrusive

2. Differences in Non-Verbal Communication

• Differences in how spoken and non-verbal communication fit together
• Less eye contact
• Not using or reading body language in typical ways
• Finding gestures or facial expressions hard to understand or use

3. Difficulties in understanding, forming and maintaining relationships

• Finding it hard to adjust behavior to different social settings
• Finding it hard to make friends or share imaginative play
• Seeming less interested in peers, or interested but unsure how to connect

To receive an autism diagnosis, a person must show differences in all three of these areas, as well as repetitive behaviors or interests. However, autism symptoms can show up in many different ways, and camouflaging (masking) affects how visible these signs are to parents and others.

Signs must be present in early childhood, but they might not become obvious until social demands increase, or they may be hidden by coping strategies learned over time. A clinician should explore the person’s inner experience to get a real picture of whether they have autistic traits.

DSM-5 Criteria for Diagnosing ADHD

The diagnostic criteria for ADHD include:

1. Inattention

(6 or more signs for children up to 16, and 5 or more for older teens and adults, present for at least 6 months)

• Making careless mistakes at school or work
• Difficulty keeping attention on tasks
• Not seeming to listen even when spoken to directly
• Not following through on instructions
• Difficulty with organization
• Avoiding mentally demanding activities
• Often losing important items
• Being easily distracted
• Forgetfulness in everyday activities

2. Impulsivity/Hyperactivity

(6 or more signs for children up to 16, and 5 or more for older teens and adults, present for at least 6 months)

• Tapping hands or feet, or fidgeting
• Leaving their seat when expected to stay seated
• Running or climbing when it isn’t expected (or feeling restless, in teens and adults)
• Finding it hard to do leisure activities quietly
• Being constantly “on the go”, as if “driven by a motor”
• Talking a lot
• Blurting out answers
• Finding it hard to wait their turn
• Interrupting others

3. Further criteria

• Signs should be present before the age of 12
• Signs should occur in at least two different settings
• They interfere with school, work or social life
• Other conditions should be ruled out as the main cause

To receive an ADHD diagnosis, a person must show an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that affects development or daily life.

Concerned about ADHD signs? Take the ADHD Test today! Or wondering about autism? Take the Autism Test for Adults.

ADHD and Autism Overlap Treatment and Support

Therapy and support for people with overlapping autism and ADHD traits work best as a tailored plan that meets their specific needs, supports daily living and improves wellbeing and quality of life.

Here we look at therapy options, strategies for supporting behaviors that signal distress, and why understanding, acceptance and ongoing support matter so much.

1. Therapy Options for ADHD and Autism

Therapy can be very helpful for both ADHD and autism, but the approach may differ depending on a person’s main needs.

Common therapies include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Medication management (for ADHD and co-occurring anxiety)
• Social and communication support
• ABA Therapy
• Occupational therapy for sensory and executive functioning needs

Work with a neurodiversity-affirming therapist who has experience supporting people with both autism and ADHD, someone who can offer neurodivergent-friendly support and walk alongside you on the journey of self-discovery.

2. Seek out Resources

Thankfully, there are many free and low-cost resources to help you and your family learn more about autism and ADHD. Whether you are just starting to explore or already have a diagnosis, these resources can help you understand and support yourself or your loved one. They include screening questionnaires for autism and ADHD that can help with self-understanding, rather than trying to fit into one diagnostic box.

3. Connect with Others within the Neurodivergent Community

The online AuDHD community is thriving, and it can help you connect with others who share similar experiences and learn from their lived experience. Joining an autistic ADHD Facebook group, watching YouTube channels, or following autistic ADHD creators on TikTok and Instagram can be a great way to connect, get support and learn more. Be careful, though: not everything on social media is fact-checked, and misinformation is common. Look for reliable sources, and talk to health professionals experienced in both ADHD and autism if you need to.

4. Practical Tips for Living with Autism and ADHD Together

Many AuDHDers feel a constant push and pull: the autistic need for routine and predictability, and the ADHD need for novelty and stimulation. Some strategies that can help:

• Flexible routines: keep a predictable structure for the day, but build in choice and variety within it.
• Visual planners and timers: they help with both transitions (autism) and time management (ADHD).
• Movement and sensory breaks: short, regular breaks help with restlessness and sensory overload.
• Interest-led learning: use deep interests to make tasks engaging and easier to start.
• Plan for recovery time: social and sensory demands can be doubly tiring, so allow quiet downtime after busy days.

Conclusion

Autism and ADHD often occur together, and research into how they are connected is ongoing. ADHD can occur without autism, and autism can occur without ADHD, although many autistic people do have ADHD traits or other co-occurring conditions. While ADHD and autism have several similarities, there are real differences: autistic people often seek familiarity and routine, while people with ADHD often love novelty and may be more impulsive and energetic.

When someone has both autism and ADHD (often called AuDHD), they may feel an internal tug of war between different traits, which can leave some needs unmet. Understanding how autism and ADHD overlap and interact can lead to acceptance, support and adjustments for everyone who identifies as an AuDHDer.

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