Autism and ADHD Together: Understanding Overlap, Challenges, and Support

By Your Health Magazine

You might not be aware, but attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can co-occur, which can become challenging for the person, their family, and teachers. In fact, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience research states that as many as 50% of children with ASD also meet the criteria for ADHD (Leitner, 2014).

Despite their overlapping symptoms, the two conditions require distinct intervention approaches from diagnosis to treatment.

Autism and ADHD Dual Diagnosis

Why are ASD and ADHD diagnosed together so often? They do share some commonalities. Both conditions involve problems with attention, impulse control, and social interaction.

However the etiology of ASD and ADHD could be different. ADHD affects executive function. It may impair skills like organization, attention, and control of emotions. ASD, on the other hand, involves social communication challenges and restricted interests. People with autism simply have a more challenging time processing social information, per a study in The Neurobiology of Childhood (Pelphrey et al, 2014).

When the conditions surface together, kids might struggle to listen, get along with others, or regulate their emotions. Some can hyperfocus on something exciting – something that is indicative of ASD – but others engage in inattentive and impulsive activity that’s most likely due to ADHD.

By recognizing such nuances, parents and teachers can help properly support children.

Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment

Since ASD and ADHD symptoms can overlap, it’s not uncommon to have a misdiagnosis. In the past, clinicians hesitated to diagnose both conditions in the same person.

However, newer research – like the Current Psychiatry Report study– shows how dual diagnoses are both valid and necessary to get proper treatment (Antshel & Russo, 2019).

Early diagnosis remains paramount. By identifying ASD and ADHD together, interventions can be planned that address both conditions. It’s important to note that standard ADHD treatments, such as stimulant medication, might not be as effective for children with both diagnoses. Better outcomes can be achieved with behavioral therapy and social skills training.

Assessments to Understand ASD and ADHD

Effective autism and ADHD assessment tools are of utmost importance if you want to reach an accurate diagnosis for either ASD, ADHD, or both.

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS®-2), is a gold-standard tool for assessing autism symptoms. It uses structured social and communication activities.

However, if your goal is to measure adaptive skills, consider the (ABAS®-3) Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Third Edition. This evaluation helps assess daily living skills, social abilities, and practical reasoning.

Other assessments commonly used to evaluate autism, ADHD, or both include:

(MIGDAS™-2) Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition
Sensory Processing Measure, Second Edition (SPM™-2), and SPM-2 Quick Tips
(CAPs™) Clinical Assessment of Pragmatics

Supporting Kids in School and at Home

Both parents and educators play key roles in supporting children with the dual diagnosis of ADHD and ASD.

Structured routines, visual schedules, and personalized learning plans are strategies to help manage attention and engagement in the classroom. For kids at home, parents can try consistent routines, sensory-friendly spaces, and social skill-building activities that inspire growth.

Collaborations between parents, teachers, and specialists help ensure that children receive comprehensive support. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans help offer children the accommodations they need to thrive. For example, they might require extra time on assignments or movement breaks to help them succeed.

Effective Evaluations for ADHD and ASD

In a child with a dual diagnosis of ASD and ADHD, they require specialized assessments and tailored interventions to manage their impairments. WPS offers research-validated assessments like ADOS-2 and ABAS-3 to help clinicians and educators effectively support children with these co-occurring conditions.