Are ADHD and Autism Similar?

You may have heard that up to 50-70% of people or 38% of children with autism spectrum disorder also have ADHD. It is also believed that the symptoms of autism and ADHD overlap.

While it’s true that these conditions often co-exist and can present similarly, the reasons behind the symptoms can differ depending on whether an individual has ADHD, autism, or both (often referred to as AuDHD). It is helpful to be able to distinguish between the two conditions and understand their similarities when seeking treatment.

Similarities in ADHD and Autism Presentations

Fidgeting and Stimming

In ADHD, fidgeting and squirming often result from restlessness and hyperactivity, like moving around in a seat or fiddling with objects. In autism, repetitive self-stimulatory movements (stimming) like hand-flapping or rocking help regulate sensory overload or express emotions.

Although behaviours such as tapping, pacing, and repetitive fidgeting are seen in both conditions, they often serve different purposes. AuDHDers may engage in these behaviours for a combination of reasons.

Hyperfixations and Special Interests

Hyperfocus is a symptom of ADHD involving intense concentration that is difficult to regulate, as ADHDers tend to have difficulties controlling their attention.  Special interests are long-lasting, focused interests, and autistic people may incorporate these interests into their careers, identity, or social interactions.

ADHDers might impulsively spend time and money on their hyperfixations, while autistic individuals may collect items related to their interests over years and become distressed if they can’t engage with them. Both groups often gain extensive knowledge and experience in their areas of focus or interest and enjoy sharing their passions in detail (known as info dumping).

Social Challenges

For ADHDers, social challenges include interrupting others, forgetting to text back, getting side-tracked in conversations, and being unreliable due to impulsivity and poor time management. Autistic people might struggle to understand and respond to social expectations or disagree with social norms based on personal beliefs. They may find it hard to initiate or reciprocate in conversations, sometimes dominating or remaining passive.

These symptoms can make maintaining friendships and social interactions challenging for both ADHDers and autistic individuals.

Hidden Symptoms in AuDHD

Some symptoms of ADHD and autism may cover or compensate for one another, or make them more difficult to manage due to conflicting needs. Here are a few ways ADHD and autism contradict or mask each other:

ADHD

• Disorganisation and chaos

• Desire for novelty, change, and risk taking

• Craving stimulation

• Zoning out and not paying attention or reacting to own feelings

• Not paying attention to detail

• Forgetting self-care tasks due to hyperfocus

Autism

• Routine and order

• Desire for familiarity, sameness and planning

• Overwhelm from stimulation

• Sensory sensitivities and strong reactions to sensory information

• Noticing minute details

• Not sensing hunger, thirst or toileting cues

When these two conditions compensate for each other, it can be difficult for an observer to see the challenges and it can be difficult for a person with both conditions to relate their experiences to the diagnostic criteria of each condition.

ADHD and autism can present in both similar and contradictory ways, and may present similarly for different reasons. Understanding their differences and similarities can help you find the most effective methods to manage symptoms and ask for help and accommodations.

If you relate to a number of these struggles and you would like support, the team at PsychWest can provide assessment and therapy for ADHD and autism. Book your ADHD assessment, autism assessment or an appointment for therapy today.

Navigating Relationships with ADHD: A Guide for Parents, Partners and Friends

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can significantly affect relationships of all kinds.

ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, which can challenge everyday interactions. Understanding these dynamics can assist friends, partners and family members in developing stronger, more harmonious relationships with those who have ADHD. This blog offers insights into how ADHD impacts relationships and offers practical tips to improve communication and understanding.

How Does ADHD Affect Relationships?

Being close to someone with ADHD comes with unique challenges that can impact the dynamics of a relationship. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is essential for effectively navigating them. Some common issues that may arise include:

• Inconsistency & Unpredictability (cancelling plans, difficulty with routines)

• Disorganisation & Clutter (misplacing important items, having untidy spaces)

• Difficulty Managing Time (underestimating the length of tasks, chronic lateness)

• Impulsivity & Risk-Taking (spontaneous decision making, not considering consequences)

• Communication Challenges (struggling to pay attention in conversation, interrupting)

• Emotional Regulation Issues (mood swings, strong sensitivity to perceived rejection)

Understanding these challenges is the first step in addressing them. By fostering open communication and empathy, setting clear boundaries, and providing both structure and adaptability, you can navigate the complexities of living with someone with ADHD more effectively.

Tips for Improving Relationships Impacted by ADHD

For Friends

Practice Patience and Understanding: Recognize that your friend may have challenges with memory, time management and organisation. Be gracious when your friends make mistakes, while ensuring that you maintain your personal boundaries of how you would like to be treated.

Encourage Structure and Accountability: Encourage your friend to create reminders or set alarms for important events. Body doubling (separately working on tasks in a shared space) can also be beneficial.

For Partners

Open Communication: Make it a habit to discuss each other’s needs and expectations. Encourage your partner to share how ADHD affects them and work together to find solutions.

Seek Professional Help: Couples therapy, particularly with a therapist experienced in ADHD, can be beneficial. It provides a neutral space to address issues and learn effective communication strategies.

For Parents/Guardians

Balance structure and spontaneity: Collaborate to establish routines and schedules while providing ample opportunities for novel experiences in your child's free-time.

Demonstrate patience and acceptance: Understand that your child with ADHD is doing their best and is not trying to upset you. Children may require written or drawn instructions rather than relying solely on verbal instructions.

The Benefits of Knowing Someone with ADHD

While ADHD is a disability that comes with a number of challenges, it is important to recognize the unique strengths and qualities that your friends and family with ADHD can contribute to relationships. Here are a few examples of these strengths:

Creativity and Innovation: Many individuals with ADHD have a creative approach to problem-solving and think outside the box. This innovative perspective can lead to novel ideas, whether in work, hobbies or social activities.

Sense of Humour: The playful and spontaneous nature of ADHD can contribute to a great sense of humour. People with ADHD often use humour to lighten the mood and bring joy to those around them.

High Energy and Enthusiasm: People with ADHD often have an abundance of energy, which can make them exciting and enjoyable to be around. They bring a sense of vitality and can motivate those around them to be more active and engaged.

Curiosity and a Thirst for Knowledge: ADHD is often associated with a high degree of curiosity. People with ADHD may have diverse interests and a drive to learn, which can lead to fascinating conversations and a shared enthusiasm for exploring new topics.

Willingness to Take Risks: While risk-taking can sometimes lead to challenges, it also means that people with ADHD are often willing to try new things and embrace adventure. This trait can lead to exciting experiences and growth opportunities for those around them.

Recognising both the benefits and challenges helps to create a balanced view of ADHD, reminding us that while challenges exist, the positive traits and unique contributions of those with ADHD can significantly enrich our lives.

If you are seeking support from an experienced Perth psychologist who understands the intricacies of ADHD, Psychwest is here to help. Contact us today about booking your appointment.

ADHD: Where to Start

Have you noticed more people around you speaking about ADHD or seen ADHD related content popping up on social media? You’re not alone – ADHD seems to have come into the spotlight recently, and it’s helping more people to understand what this development disorder looks like. For some people, this has helped them to recognise that there may be a deeper reason for persistent problems that they have experienced since childhood. If you want to learn more about where to start with ADHD, this blog post will help to further your knowledge and understanding.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a complex developmental disorder that usually begins in childhood, which sometimes can persist into adulthood. It primarily consists of persistent problems with inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness which often leads to poor performance at work, relationship issues, and low self-esteem. Hyperactivity usually reduces in adulthood and can be replaced by restlessness. Symptoms tend to decline with age.

Most people experience symptoms similar to ADHD at different points in time, but ADHD can only be diagnosed when symptoms are severe enough to cause ongoing problems across multiple areas in your life, and can be traced back to childhood.

Considering we all experience some symptoms similar to ADHD at some point, you may be wondering what ADHD feels like. People who have ADHD often experience their emotions deeply, so that they feel overwhelmed by them. This could be positive emotions like joy or excitement, or negative emotions like anger or confusion. Sometimes, these deep emotions can lead to impulsive behaviours that may cause regret later. Intense emotions and overwhelming thoughts can also make it difficult to focus on conversations or the world around you, because your mind is too loud and takes up your attention.

How ADHD Presents in Females

An important consideration when discussing the presentation of ADHD is that it can often show up differently in females. This means that women often go undiagnosed with ADHD, because the symptoms can be less obvious or socially disruptive and are therefore overlooked.

In men and boys, symptoms often include restlessness, impulsivity, fidgeting, impatience, mood swings and disruption. However, in women ADHD generally presents as inattentiveness – difficulty to focus, stay organised, remember things, listen and pay attention to details.

These symptoms can often be considered personality traits in women, so they cannot get the help that they need. This is why we believe it’s so important to educate on how ADHD presents in females.

Can ADHD be Cured?

ADHD cannot be cured or prevented, but early diagnosis and a good treatment plan can ensure that the person can manage their symptoms in a way that suits them. In many cases, symptoms can get milder as the person ages, which can help with functioning – as can understanding how to manage their individual symptoms.

How ADHD is Diagnosed

ADHD is diagnosed through a comprehensive ADHD assessment, where we assess for emotional, cognitive and behavioural symptoms for ADHD and provide a comprehensive report with an individualised intervention plan.

These assessments can be used for a psychologist to make an ADHD diagnosis, to enable us to provide support with a treatment plan.

The ADHD assessment is a process conducted over 4 sessions with an experienced psychologist. The psychologist will ask questions and administer questionnaires about the sufferer’s background, educational history and aptitudes and noted changes in their cognitive ability (i.e. memory, focus, concentration, distractibility) to determine if they may have ADHD or other related problems.

Psychwest has appointments available for ADHD assessments now. Book in with our team of experienced Perth psychologists here.

ADHD Assessment - What to Expect

Have you booked in for an adult ADHD assessment with a Psychologist and have no idea what to expect? This blog will answer some of the most common questions that people have before their ADHD assessment.

Why does it take four sessions to assess for ADHD?

Recently, the AADPA released the first ever evidence based clinical practice guidelines for ADHD, where they recommend a minimum of four hours of interviewing in order to make a thorough assessment of ADHD. ADHD is a complex disorder that requires time spent with the client in order to assess appropriately.

What can I expect during the sessions?

For the first session, your Psychologist will ask you a series of questions in order to gather a detailed history of your childhood, development, medical, family/genetic, upbringing and mental health.

They will then provide you with a take home questionnaire: one for you to fill out and another for an observer (usually a spouse, partner, or family member you reside with).

They will also complete a structured interview based on the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD, specifically focused on the symptoms of ADHD. This can often take two sessions in itself.

They may administer some screener questionaries for other disorders including autism, anxiety and depression, as these are often co-morbid with ADHD.

What is my Psychologist looking for?

Your Psychologist will be looking for evidence towards all of the criteria needed to confirm the presence of ADHD. This includes evidence that the symptoms were present from early childhood.

They will be looking for symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity/restlessness and impulsivity. They will be looking at the impact and any impairment caused by these symptoms and how long they have been present. They will also consider if these symptoms are caused by another condition or not.

Why do I need to get observer information?

In order to gain a thorough understanding of your difficulties, collateral information from someone who knows you well is needed. These people often observe outwards signs of ADHD including restlessness, disorganisation and hyperactivity and can provide valuable information.

What will I need to provide?

Your psychologist will often ask for some primary and high school reports and completed questionnaires.

Can a Psychologist prescribe medication?

No, Psychologists are not medical doctors. If you are interested in pursuing medication as a treatment option for ADHD, then you will need to book an appointment with a Psychiatrist. Your Psychologist will provide the diagnostic report to the Psychiatrist to aid in this process.

To find out more about the specific packages we offer here at Psychwest, follow this link.

‘TikTok Made Me Think I have ADHD’

Recently, some interesting debates have been emerging in the media and health sciences around self-diagnosis for mental health issues. This has been highlighted by the popularity of TikTok: a social media and content sharing app, which has contributed to bringing discussion of mental health into the mainstream.

A recent study showed that misleading videos of ADHD are being widely shared on the popular app, leading to some experts being concerned about self and mis-diagnosis of the disorder.

Clinicians and GP’s are seeing an increase in patients requesting treatment for ADHD, convinced they have the disorder based on recognising their own symptoms in popular TikTok videos.

What is adult ADHD?

ADHD is a complex developmental disorder that usually begins in childhood, which sometimes can persist into adulthood. It primarily consists of persistent problems with inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness which often leads to poor performance at work, relationship issues, and low self-esteem. Hyperactivity usually reduces in adulthood and can be replaced by restlessness. Symptoms tend to decline with age.

Most people experience symptoms similar to ADHD at different points in time, but ADHD can only be diagnosed when symptoms are severe enough to cause ongoing problems across multiple areas in your life, and can be traced back to childhood.

Is TikTok helpful for diagnosing ADHD?

You should not self-diagnose based on TikTok videos, however TikTok is useful for:

• Bringing increased awareness to adult ADHD, which has long been an under-researched and under-specialised area in Psychology and Psychiatry.

• Highlighting how ADHD manifests in women, which can be, and often is, different compared to men.

• Providing a space to find comfort in other experiences that may be similar to your own.

• Finding strategies on how to manage symptoms.

• There are a lot of professionals in the field producing videos that can be very informative.

• May boost a person’s confidence in seeking a diagnosis from a professional.

Here’s why you shouldn’t diagnose yourself with ADHD based on TikTok videos:

• TikTok is unregulated and has high potential for the sharing of false information.

• Can lead to over self-diagnosis due to confirmatory bias (the tendency to process information by looking for, or interpreting, information that is consistent with one's existing beliefs). If someone already suspects they have ADHD, they will seek out additional information to confirm that suspicion, discounting any additional information that does not fit in with that diagnosis. Pair that with TikTok’s forceful algorithm that presents videos that are similar to ones they have previously interacted with, and the person is quickly flooded with videos on that specific topic and confirmatory bias is working full force. Someone can quickly become convinced, through TikTok alone, that they have ADHD.

• TikTok misses the complexity of the disorder. ADHD symptoms overlap with many other mental health disorders, such as anxiety, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

• ADHD presents differently in each person, so one person’s experience can be widely different to another’s.

• ADHD is often co-morbid (or diagnosed together with) other mental health disorders. These co-morbid disorders often interact/perpetuate the other and so one person’s health profile is significantly different to the next persons. Long-term undiagnosed ADHD in adults can also lead to more complications and comorbidities. These are complexities that are not easily portrayed in a TikTok video.

• An incorrect diagnosis can lead to harm through ineffective or unsuitable interventions. It takes specialist training and experience to be able to diagnose ADHD effectively.  

How to get diagnosed with ADHD

To be diagnosed with ADHD in Australia, generally you need to see a Psychologist or Psychiatrist with specific knowledge and training in this area. Diagnosis includes:

• In depth clinical interviews (to gain history of symptoms)

• Observations by trained professionals

• ADHD tests and questionnaires

• Interviews, and/or questionnaires filled out by/with loved ones/colleagues/parents etc

• Reviewing of issues in past schooling

• Sometimes, complex cognitive psychometrics are necessary to finalise a diagnosis.  

What to do if you are considering that you may have ADHD and are engaging in a lot of TikTok videos on the topic

1. Talk to a professional. Book a Psychology session and discuss your concerns; they can determine if seeking a diagnosis and further assessment would be useful for you.  

2. Choose who you follow wisely on TikTok. Select only those that have verifiable credentials and take the information shared with a grain of salt.

Here at Psychwest, we have Clinicians available who are open and willing to discuss adult ADHD, whether you have a previous diagnosis or suspicions. We also have an assessment package that provides comprehensive assessment/diagnosis for adult ADHD. We also provide adult ADHD treatments/interventions.

Book your appointment now