What does ADHD have to do with Autism?

It has everything to do! And no date other than Autistic Pride Day is better to remember this

Today is International Autistic Pride Day, and we are thrilled to join in the celebrations of such a significant occasion. You might wonder, what does ADHD have to do with ASD, the acronym for Autism Spectrum Disorder?

It has everything to do with it! Both are neurodevelopmental disorders that affect the way people think, behave, and interact with the world. While they are distinct conditions, they share several commonalities and frequently co-occur. Studies suggest that 50 to 70% of people with ASD also have symptoms of ADHD, and between 20% and 40% of those with ADHD also show signs of ASD.

Both conditions involve extreme challenges with executive functioning, social skills, and sensory processing. Experts view this overlap as evidence that both conditions might share some underlying genetic or neurological factors.

Recognizing autism at the earliest possible age, much like ADHD, can lead to significant improvements for those diagnosed. This highlights the necessity of innovative or distinct approaches, especially in education, to better meet the needs of individuals and explore their talents and potential.

By early age, we don’t mean just childhood or school years. We mean this exact moment, regardless of age. I was diagnosed with ADHD at 42, and I have friends who discovered ASD and/or ADHD at over 80 years old. There’s no age limit for seeking diagnosis, as the benefits are widespread regardless of how much life lies ahead.

Difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and social interaction unite these two groups. Both individuals with ASD and ADHD might struggle with understanding social cues or maintaining attention in a conversation. However, they are distinct conditions and are technically quite different.

ADHD is typically identified by hyperactivity and attention issues, whereas ASD is characterized primarily by social and communication challenges, and repetitive behaviors. ADHD is often detected when children start school, as their behavior contrasts with that of their classmates. ASD generally shows signs around two years old, such as avoiding eye contact and a lack of interest in playing with others.

Other traits more related to ASD include delayed speech development or none at all, excessive preoccupation with patterns of textures of food, and repetitive movements, especially with hands and fingers. Regarding attention and impulsivity, people with ADHD are often unable to stay focused or still, or they may hyperfocus but find it difficult to switch tasks. Those with ASD are typically overfocused, inflexible with routines, and sensitive to sensory inputs, with strong abilities in specific areas due to their intense focus.

Determining if someone has ADHD, ASD, or both, will significantly influence the type of treatment prescribed. The methods to deal with each of these conditions are sharply distinct, and that’s why seeking professional help instead of self-diagnosing is crucial. For example, some medications commonly used for ADHD are not recommended when ASD is also present, as they can raise anxiety levels and nullify potential benefits.

Anyway, today is a day to celebrate the pride of being autistic. While there are differences between ADHD and ASD, this is a day to focus on what unites us. Maintaining focus can be a big issue for both ADHDers and ASDers, but we will do our best today!

What unites us most, however, is not just a collection of symptoms and traits. We are united by the pride of being neurodivergent. To accept ourselves for who we are, to celebrate our brains, to celebrate our uniqueness. To be proud of having the courage and attitude to seek help and understand our differences, while knowing we are perfectly normal and capable of achieving whatever we want in life.

Above all, it’s a day to celebrate the pride of our self-awareness, no matter who we are. And to remember to exercise respect and understanding when dealing with those different from us, whether we are neurodivergent or neurotypical.