Autism and ADHD: Key Signs For Overlapping

Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that affects how people interact, communicate, learn, and behave. It results from differences in brain function that influence behaviour and social interactions.

ADHD

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a brain disorder that affects your ability to pay attention, sit still, and control behaviour. It often starts in childhood and can continue into adulthood.

Introduction

Research indicates that 30% to 80% of autistic people also have ADHD. This significant overlap suggests that many individuals with autism also experience the symptoms of ADHD. Curiously, while fewer people with ADHD are autistic, the overlap is still substantial. The disparity might be due to ADHD being more commonly diagnosed than autism.

Despite the significant overlap, psychologists’ DSM diagnostic manual doesn’t address this intersection directly. This oversight leads to improper diagnoses for many people with both conditions.

In the past, doctors didn’t diagnose ADHD in patients already diagnosed with autism. This practice resulted in a lack of professional literature and understanding about individuals with both diagnoses.

Nowadays, the internet allows people from all over the world to share their personal experiences and insights. Sharing information online has become invaluable for those living with both conditions. It provides a richer understanding of what it’s like to manage autism and ADHD simultaneously.

Five Signs You Might Have Both ADHD and Autism

1. Constant Inner Conflict

People with both ADHD and autism often experience a constant inner conflict between seemingly inconsistent traits. Autistic adults often crave order and routine to feel secure. However, they find it challenging to maintain due to unexpected changes and sensory overload.

Overstimulation and under-stimulation can occur almost simultaneously, causing confusion and frustration. This duality causes behaviours that seem inconsistent to others but make perfect sense when you understand the underlying causes. For example, you might need complete silence around you but then make a lot of noise yourself.

2. Balancing Traits

Sometimes, autistic and ADHD traits balance or hide each other. This balance can make struggles less visible.

ADHD’s sociability can mask autism’s social awkwardness, creating a more balanced outward appearance. For example, someone might appear very social and outgoing because of their ADHD traits. But inside, they still feel the social anxiety and awkwardness from their autistic traits.

This person experiences both extremes, especially in social situations. ADHD makes them comfortable talking to people, but autism causes them to feel overwhelmed and anxious at the same time. This internal conflict is constant and remains hidden from others. Even if they seem balanced and confident, they struggle internally with these opposing traits.

3. Varied Special Interests and Hyper Fixations

Special interests among autistic adults can be very diverse. When ADHD is also present, these interests can become even more intense but may last for shorter periods. This combination often results in a mix of long-term fixations and fleeting fascinations.

For example, an autistic person might have a deep, long-lasting interest in trains, studying every detail for years. However, ADHD can cause them to develop intense but short-term passions. They might become fascinated with a new hobby for weeks or months before moving on to something else.

The stereotype that autistic people have only one obscure interest is inaccurate. Many autistic individuals hold multiple intense interests throughout their lives. These interests change and evolve, creating various passions and hobbies. This diverse range of interests enriches their experiences, presenting challenges and joy as they navigate their unique paths.

4. Different Versions of Yourself

Different environments highlight different traits in people with both ADHD and autism. Outside the house, new and exciting settings satisfy ADHD traits. However, these uncontrolled sensory and social environments can trigger autistic characteristics.

At home, the controlled sensory environment is predictable, which can make ADHD traits more noticeable. The familiarity of home reduces sensory overload, but it may not provide enough stimulation for ADHD.

Social communication and understanding social cues become challenging in different settings. Changing environments can make it hard to navigate social situations. For example, noisy places can overwhelm someone with autism, while someone with ADHD might struggle to stay focused. This complexity makes managing social interactions difficult.

5. Relating to Others with Dual Diagnoses

Connecting with others who have both Autism and ADHD helps you understand your condition better. This connection provides validation and insight. You might have both conditions if you strongly relate to those with dual diagnoses. If your single diagnosis doesn’t fully explain your experiences, it could indicate you have both.

Autistic adults often seek out others who share similar traits. This can be very comforting in social interactions and social situations. Connecting with people who share similar experiences makes you feel understood and supported. It also offers a sense of community, which is important for emotional well-being.

By sharing experiences and insights, you can better understand your condition. This mutual support is crucial for navigating the challenges of living with both autism and ADHD.

Conclusion

These five signs help you understand how ADHD and autism can overlap. If you notice or feel these signs, seek professional advice for a more accurate diagnosis. Proper diagnosis is important for understanding your experiences and finding the right support.

Neurodivergent people often seek out others with similar experiences, consciously or unconsciously, for comfort. Diagnosing autism requires understanding its symptoms, such as social communication difficulties and repetitive behaviours. Mental health professionals play a crucial role in this process. Tests for adults, like the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and autism screening, assist in diagnosis and understanding.

Terms Explained

• DSM: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
• Neurodivergent: People whose brain differences affect how their brain works.
• Fixations: An obsessive interest in or feeling about someone or something.
• Familiarity: Close acquaintance with or knowledge of something.
• Artistic People: Persons who are suffering from Autism.
• Sociability: The quality of being sociable.
• ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
• Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ): A self-administered questionnaire developed to assess the presence of Autism-Spectrum traits in adults.