Key Takeaways
- ADHD and autism are two different conditions that co-occur frequently. They also share similar symptoms, including challenges with social skills, communication, attention, and self-regulation.
- This symptom overlap has caused some confusion about whether ADHD is part of the autism spectrum. However, this isn’t the case.
- It’s possible to have ADHD and autism at the same time. When this happens, effective treatment may involve individual therapy, psychoeducation, occupational support, and medication (if needed).
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) — commonly referred to as autism — and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two different conditions that frequently co-occur. Research shows that about 50% to 70% of people with autism also have symptoms of ADHD. In addition, there’s evidence to suggest that about 21% of people with ADHD also have autism.
ADHD and autism also share some symptoms. Both conditions can affect things like communication, focus, social skills, self-regulation, sensory sensitivity, and executive functioning. This overlap can lead to confusion about whether you’re living with ADHD, autism, or both.
But rest assured that mental health professionals are trained to recognize the differences between these conditions and offer support for co-occurring mental health conditions of all kinds.
Do you have symptoms of autism or ADHD?
If you’re wondering whether you have symptoms of autism or ADHD, the best thing you can do is seek a professional evaluation. A therapist or psychiatric provider can provide an accurate diagnosis to ensure that you get the right support for your needs.
But in the meantime, it might be helpful to review some of the most common overlapping symptoms of autism and ADHD.
Social challenges
- People with autism may have trouble detecting social cues and communicating in social settings. This might lead them to have trouble forming and maintaining relationships.
- People with ADHD may talk a lot, interrupt others, and have trouble waiting their turn. These behaviors can also negatively impact relationships.
Focus and attention
- People with autism may have trouble paying attention to things that don’t interest them or that they don’t enjoy.
- People with ADHD can become easily distracted. In response, they may avoid tasks and activities that require sustained concentration.
Self-regulation
- People with autism may engage in repetitive behaviors (like jumping up and down or rocking back and forth) as a way of releasing stress.
- People with ADHD, especially the hyperactive or combined types, often show impulsive behavior or excessive movement due to differences in their brain’s structure and chemistry.
Differences between autism and ADHD
On the surface, these shared symptoms can appear nearly identical, even though they may have different underlying causes. But there are also some key differences between autism and ADHD to be aware of.
Some unique signs of autism and ADHD include:
Autism
- A tendency to intensely focus on one thing
- Avoiding eye contact
- Difficulty with empathy
- Preferring to spend time alone
- Delayed developmental milestones
ADHD
- Rapidly moving from one task to the next
- Getting easily bored
- Engaging in unsafe or impulsive behaviors
- Trouble paying attention to one thing at a time
- Interrupting conversations or activities
Causes of autism vs. ADHD
We don’t yet have a full understanding of all the causes of autism and ADHD. However, research suggests that both conditions may be linked to a combination of the following factors:
- Genetics: Having a first-degree relative with autism or ADHD
- Environment: Being exposed to certain environmental toxins or other harmful substances
- Biology: Having an imbalance in brain chemicals and/or differences in brain structure
Is ADHD on the autism spectrum?
Because ADHD and autism share many symptoms and co-occur frequently, some people may wonder if ADHD is part of the autism spectrum. However, this isn’t the case, and these conditions have unique diagnostic criteria.
Additionally, ADHD is categorized as a developmental disorder, while autism is a neurological and developmental disorder.
Could you have autism and ADHD together?
Yes, it’s very possible to have autism and ADHD at the same time. However, this experience can vary widely, creating a unique combination of symptoms for each person..
But, generally speaking, if you have both autism and ADHD, you may have difficulty with emotional and behavioral regulation, attention and focus, social skills, and executive functioning. Executive functioning refers to your ability to make decisions, manage your time, and stay organized.
However, it’s important to remember that some symptoms of ADHD and autism are very different. For example, a person with autism may crave structure and a predictable routine, while a person with ADHD may crave novelty and variety. This can create an internal struggle to manage contradictory impulses brought on by co-occurring autism and ADHD.
Integrative treatment for ADHD, autism, or both
If you have ADHD, autism, or both, you may benefit from an integrative treatment approach that addresses your unique mental health needs. Depending on your needs, you might benefit from a combination of any of the following:
- Psychoeducation: Learning more about the signs, symptoms, and causes of autism and ADHD can help you gain insight into your strengths and challenges.
- Therapy: Approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have been successfully adapted for people living with autism and ADHD. CBT can help you learn new ways of responding to stress, improve your communication skills, and get better at self-regulation.
- Occupational supports: If you need help with life tasks like finding a job, requesting accommodations at work or school, or seeking peer support groups, a mental health professional or occupational therapist can connect you with additional resources.
- Medication: While there are no FDA-approved medications to treat autism, there are several medications that are used to treat ADHD. You can talk to your provider about whether medication is right for you.
Find care with Rula
Autism and ADHD can impact social skills, attentiveness, communication, self-regulation, and more. In addition, they also frequently occur together. Sometimes, this overlap can make it difficult to discern whether a person’s symptoms are the result of autism, ADHD, or both.
Fortunately, there are effective treatments available that can help people with these conditions manage their mental health and improve their quality of life. If you suspect that you have autism and/or ADHD, know that you’re not alone and the integrated care you deserve is just a few clicks away.
At Rula, we designed our therapist-matching program to make it easier for everyone to connect to the in-network care they need, no matter the issues they’re facing. In just a few minutes, you can select a provider that’s right for you and book your first appointment for as soon as tomorrow.
About the author
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences. In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Rula's editorial process
Rula's editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness. Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
