Autism and ADHD Overlap: Making Sense of the Co-Occurring Disorders
Autism and ADHD (attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder) are considered similar mental health conditions, as they can present themselves in the same way.
It can be confusing, and while autism vs ADHD are common co-occurring disorders, they can be difficult to differentiate.
It takes careful evaluation by a healthcare professional to determine whether a person has autism, ADHD, or co-occurring disorders. Both share common symptoms with social interactions, which is why they are often grouped together. However, there is also an autism and ADHD difference as well.
While I’m not a healthcare professional and have never been diagnosed with ADHD, I have friends and associates who do have the diagnosis.
And I can see how both affect the way individuals behave and interact with others. I’ve also learned that ADHD doesn’t present itself in the stereotypical ways you might think … just like the stigmas that can come with autism.
It’s yet another case of everyone being different.
Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD are two of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood, and are often, but not always, diagnosed in childhood. There is also an ADHD vs autism difference, so don’t assume if you have one, you have the other.
Classic symptoms of ADHD include individuals who can have difficulty paying attention and sitting still, compared with autistic individuals who may struggle with social cues and communication.
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Examining the Common Traits of ADHD vs Autism for Better Awareness
Another factor that can contribute to confusion is the high rate of autism vs ADHD being common co-occurring disorders. 
Studies have shown that up to 50 percent of individuals with autism also have symptoms of ADHD, and up to 30 percent of individuals with ADHD also have symptoms of autism.
This autism and ADHD overlap can make it difficult to determine whether someone has one condition, the other, or both. But knowing the autism and ADHD differences as well as similarities is extremely important.
Individuals with ADHD often struggle with impulse control, hyperactivity, and inattention, while individuals with autism may have difficulties in social interaction, communication, and behavior.
The symptoms of these conditions can have a significant impact on the individual’s life, as well as on their family and friends. In addition to the symptoms, other factors differentiate the two common co-occurring disorders.
It is part of the ADHD vs autism difference.
While both conditions are typically diagnosed in childhood, they can be diagnosed at any age in life.
I’ve known individuals who were diagnosed with ADHD at a very young age, but am also close to someone who just received the diagnosis in her mid-20s.
Individuals with autism and ADHD overlap can experience improvement through maturity, treatment, and therapy, while individuals with autism like me will typically present lifelong symptoms.
With ADHD, symptoms can change, meaning how it presents itself may change as well, while with autism, it is mostly consistent. It is an autism and ADHD difference.
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The Surprising Link Between Co-Occurring Disorders Uncovered
According to professionals, there are differences between autism vs ADHD and in the way that these conditions are treated.
Behavioral interventions and therapies, such as social skills training and cognitive behavioral therapy, may be more effective for individuals with autism vs ADHD.
In contrast, medication, such as stimulants, is often used to treat ADHD.
To say it again, I think it is essential to note that accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment.
Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective or inappropriate treatment, which can significantly impact the individual’s life.
The diagnostic process for these common co-occurring disorders can include clinical interviews, observations, and standardized assessments.
Just as autism has a spectrum of behaviors and how it presents itself in individuals, ADHD has differing types of symptoms as well. It is another consideration of the ADHD vs autism difference.
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3 Types of Symptoms with ADHD: Understanding Autism vs ADHD and Autism and ADHD Overlap
- Inattentive: This person may struggle to organize or finish tasks, focus on details, follow instructions, or stay engaged in a conversation. The individual may struggle with completing a daily routine successfully.
- Hyperactive-Impulsive: This person often feels restless and impulsive. The individual may fidget, interrupt others, and start too many tasks without finishing any of them.
- Combination: This person has both types equally.
Because autism vs ADHD are two neurodevelopmental conditions that can present similar symptoms, it can be confusing in terms of diagnosis and treatment.
Contributors on a Reddit blog about ADHD also seem to struggle with being taken seriously about their diagnosis, motivation, and hyper fixation.
u/88keys-mel is struggling with family and friends who don’t believe in their diagnosis, saying that people tell her, “A lot of this is Mind over matter. Everyone experiences these things,” a comment which she finds disheartening.
Consistent-Case8564 agrees, saying, “Families don’t always get it, especially older generations who grew up with the mentality of not talking about issues you have and get sucking it up and powering through without complaining.”
Another user talks about “life paralysis,” saying that while having plenty of interests, “I can’t find the energy to actually develop hobbies. I have no idea what to do with my life because there’s too much that I want and I can’t do it all, so I end up doing nothing. “
A key takeaway to this blog should be that if you are an adult, and feel you might be “out of sorts” or display these conditions, or feel anxious or depressed, you should seek medical assistance –at any age!
ADHD vs. autism in adults can cause issues with work and relationships, and symptoms can intensify due to the increased demands placed on a person in adulthood.
Whether you have one condition or many co-occurring disorders, proper diagnosis and treatment can allow you to be the best you that you can be.
Support groups can also help as well, such as mine on Facebook, or a host of others as well.
Remember your diagnosis if you have co-occurring disorders such as autism vs ADHD does not make you who are it’s just another piece of you that you have to work through and accept. Just stay focused on enjoying life and not let labels of autism and ADHD differences or other co-occurring conditions define who you are or what you can do.
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Other Common Autistic Behaviors
There are many behaviors associated with having autism. Keep in mind that everyone presents differently, which is why it is caused by a spectrum disorder. However, there are common autism behaviors. Learn more about them.
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