AuDHD: Understanding the Comorbidity of ADHD & Autism

What is AuDHD?

AuDHD is when autism and ADHD occur at the same time in the same person. Because symptoms of the conditions can overlap, interact, and compound, AuDHD presents unique challenges for diagnosis and treatment. For example, the classic ADHD symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity can magnify the social hurdles that are common for someone who has autism. Overlapping symptoms, like executive functioning and sensory processing issues, occur in both conditions.  

To fully understand AuDHD, it’s important that we fully understand the 2 distinct conditions separately:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that presents as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning, relationships, and self-worth. Current research suggests ADHD is one of the most common childhood mental health conditions, affecting just over 11% of children aged 5 – 17 years. Symptoms can include difficulty paying attention and staying organized, fidgeting, and acting impulsively without considering the consequences.
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that impacts social interaction and communication and can cause repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that about 1 in 36 children have ASD. Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means the severity of symptoms can range from person to person.

Symptoms of AuDHD & Overlapping Traits

Many AuDHD symptoms are commonly experienced in both ADHD and autism. Knowing this helps ensure an accurate diagnosis, early intervention, and treatment plan can be put in place.

Common symptoms of AuDHD

• Inattention: Someone with AuDHD will tend to struggle to focus on tasks or activities. They might seem checked out or get easily sidetracked.
• Hyperactivity: Fidgeting, excessive movement, and an inability to remain still are common for people with AuDHD. This ADHD trait is especially obvious when calm, controlled behavior is expected.
• Impulsivity: Making impulsive decisions without considering the consequences can lead to social difficulties or misunderstandings and can even be dangerous.
• Social communication challenges: AuDHD can make reading social cues and maintaining conversations very hard. In turn, it can make establishing meaningful relationships difficult.
• Repetitive behaviors: Engaging in repetitive movements, routines, or behaviors can be soothing for somebody with autism, but the impulsivity of ADHD might interrupt these behaviors.

Overlapping traits between ADHD and ASD

Overlapping traits make getting an accurate diagnosis a complex process for mental health professionals. They must determine which traits can be attributed to ADHD, which are from autism, and which are from both.

• Sensory sensitivities: AuDHD often causes sensory issues, like sensitivities to noise, textures, or touch.
• Executive functioning challenges: Planning, prioritizing tasks, and staying organized can be daunting with ADHD or autism. This can make managing daily activities and following through with responsibilities hard.
• Social difficulties: The hyperactivity side of ADHD can cause some people to be incredibly talkative and interrupt others, whereas someone on the spectrum might struggle with social interaction. When these traits coexist, it can make it hard to understand and interpret social behaviors.

Diagnostic Challenges

Diagnosing comorbid ADHD and ASD is complex due to those overlapping traits and the contradictory nature of some symptoms. To avoid misdiagnosis, the diagnostic process must be comprehensive and consider the full range of symptoms and behaviors. 

Some of the major challenges include: 

• Overlapping symptoms: Executive functioning and sensory sensitivities can overlap and make it hard to figure out if a symptom is from ADHD, autism, or a combination of both. 
• Masking effects: Sometimes, symptoms of one condition can mask symptoms of the other, making it tough to recognize both are present. For example, ADHD’s hyperactivity can overshadow autism’s social withdrawal.
• Amplified symptoms: The impulsivity seen in ADHD can exacerbate social issues someone with autism might face.

Impact of AuDHD on Individuals

AuDHD can have a significant impact on people’s lives, relationships, and ability to function. To manage and overcome these challenges, a comprehensive AuDHD treatment plan is needed. Support systems and strategies can include things like educational accommodations, behavioral therapy, and social skills training to help people learn to navigate their lives successfully.   

Challenges of AuDHD include: 

• Social issues: Struggling with social cues and not being able to maintain healthy friendships can be the result of not understanding social norms and being impulsive.
• Educational issues: School can be overwhelming for people with AuDHD because of attention deficits, problems with executive functioning, and social communication issues. 
• Emotional regulation issues: Increased sensitivity can make managing stress near-impossible and cause frustration. 
• Behavioral overlap issues: ADHD’s impulsivity and autism’s need for predictability and routine can cause an increase in behavioral issues. 
• Sensory processing issues: Sensory sensitivities can result in autism and ADHD overstimulation and make everyday environments overwhelming and stressful.
• Executive functioning issues: Organizing, planning, and prioritizing tasks and responsibilities can make daily functioning even more difficult.
• Occupational issues: Adults with AuDHD can experience extreme professional challenges as a result of their symptoms.

Treating AuDHD

Treating AuDHD takes a multifaceted, combined approach. Behavioral therapy, educational support, medication, social skills training, occupational therapy, lifestyle changes, and executive function therapy will offer the best chance at improving symptoms and quality of life. 

• Behavioral therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy is a powerful therapy for ADHD that can help people learn to manage symptoms and find tools to improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and control emotions.
• Educational support: Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) address learning disabilities and define appropriate accommodations. 
• Medication: ADHD medication includes both stimulants and non-stimulants to help with focus and reduce hyperactivity. While there are no specific medications to treat autism directly, medications can help with symptoms like anxiety.  
• Social skills training: Social skills training can effectively teach people appropriate behavior in social situations. 
• Occupational therapy: OT aids in developing fine motor skills and teaches ADHD coping skills that you can use in all areas of your life. 
• Lifestyle changes: Predictable routines can help people feel secure— a balanced diet, exercise, and healthy sleep habits can help improve mood.
• Executive function therapy: Training on executive functioning can enhance critical skills like task organization, time management, attention, and cognitive function.   

Navigating the Journey with AuDHD

Navigating life with AuDHD is easier when you understand more about it, including symptoms, challenges, and treatment options. AuDHD is a complex condition, but with the right support and guidance, you can learn to manage it effectively — and Talkspace can help. The online mental health platform allows you to get confidential, convenient, and affordable therapy from mental healthcare professionals who are experienced and qualified in ADHD treatment

Contact Talkspace today for online treatment for ADHD so you can start dealing with that aspect of your condition.