However, the two conditions can sometimes help and complement each other – for example the ADHD characteristics that someone may experience autism more social and the autistic traits can help the ADHD person concentrate and focus.
“The way I describe it is that autism can be like a parent to ADHD because it doesn’t let it get too anarchic or disorganized,” says Dr. Sadiq. While “ADHD is like autism’s friend and doesn’t let it be too withdrawn.”
How are autism and ADHD related?
Autism and ADHD are both neurodevelopmental disorders. They share some traits and have a strong genetic link, but exactly how they are connected is not yet clear.
Some researchers believe they are on a spectrum of neurodiversity in which different symptoms occur at different times; Others believe that we will eventually understand AuDHD as a separate diagnosis.
Dr. Fleur-Michelle Coiffait is a clinical psychologist with expertise in autism and ADHD. “The more I work in this area, and the more clients I see, the more I think AuDHD is not just one thing and another; it presents unique challenges,” she says.
Common features of AuDHD
Different properties of both ASD and ADHD occur in AuDHD. However, not everyone will have all of these symptoms. “In some people the autism may be more prominent, in others the ADHD can be very strong,” says Dr. Sadiq.
The features of AuDHD include:
Social challenges
“In general, we find that people with ADHD benefit greatly from social interaction, but people with AuDHD may find that they have more autistic-style social challenges,” says Dr. Coiffait. This may seem like having no filter and blurting things out; desire social situations but find it difficult to understand others; or become easily overwhelmed and tired, but find it difficult to slow down and recharge.
Inattention and hyperfocus
Some may have difficulty focusing on things they are not interested in, but may “hyperfocus” on certain special interests or when driven by a deadline.
Sensory differences
They may respond too much or too little to sensory stimulation, such as sound, light and touch, and may have difficulty with certain foods or strong smells.
Impulsiveness
“Impulsivity can be caused by ADHD’s search for stimulation or by autistic frustration when things don’t happen at a certain time,” says Dr. Sadiq. It can lead to relationship problems and addictive behavior towards drugs, alcohol, food, gaming or gambling.
Stimulate and fidget
Fidgeting, stimming (repetitive movements or sounds that people use to cope with their emotions), and verbal tics can be a product of ADHD restlessness or an autistic attempt to self-soothe.
Emotional regulation
Problems with emotional regulation can lead to emotional outbursts.
“Often autism and ADHD pull them in two different directions, they navigate that within themselves and that can be very exhausting,” says Dr. Coiffait. “They may spend a lot of time masking up and behaving how they feel they should behave in situations because they are a bit of a chameleon, which can have an impact on your mental health.”
The impact of AuDHD on daily life
Living with undiagnosed AuDHD can lead to burnoutrecurring stress-related health problems and anxiety.