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.