ASD, ADHD, or Both? The Overlapping Symptoms That Confuse Everyone
Introduction
ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) are two distinct neurodevelopmental conditions. Yet, they share so many overlapping traits that diagnosing one without missing the other can be a real challenge. Many individuals are misdiagnosed, go undiagnosed for years, or find out later in life that they actually have both. But why does this happen? And how can we differentiate between autism, ADHD, or a dual diagnosis?
Why Autism and ADHD Are Often Confused
Both ASD and ADHD affect brain function, particularly in areas related to attention, social interaction, executive function, and sensory processing. Because of this, individuals with ASD and/or ADHD may experience similar struggles, leading to misinterpretations. Here are some key areas of overlap:
- Social Difficulties — People with ADHD may struggle with impulsivity and interrupting conversations, while those with autism may have difficulty understanding social cues. Both can lead to challenges in making and maintaining friendships.
- Sensory Sensitivities — Both conditions can cause heightened or reduced sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, and other sensory stimuli.
- Executive Dysfunction — Difficulty with organization, time management, and following through on tasks is common in both autism and ADHD.
- Hyperfocus & Special Interests — ADHD is often associated with hyperfocus on exciting or novel tasks, while autistic individuals may have intense, long-term special interests.
- Difficulty with Transitions — Individuals with ADHD may struggle with shifting attention, while autistic individuals may become distressed by changes in routine.
Key Differences Between Autism and ADHD
While they share common ground, autism and ADHD also have defining characteristics that set them apart:
| Feature | Autism | ADHD |
| Social Interaction | Prefers solitude or structured social settings, may miss nonverbal cues | Talkative, may interrupt, seeks social engagement but struggles with maintaining it |
| Attention Style | Deep focus on preferred topics, may struggle with multitasking | Easily distracted, jumps from one task to another |
| Sensory Processing | Can be either hypersensitive or hyposensitive to stimuli | Can be sensory-seeking (e.g., loud noises, fast movements) |
| Routine & Flexibility | Prefers routines, finds sudden changes distressing | Easily bored, craves novelty, impulsive |
| Communication Style | Literal interpretation, difficulty with abstract language | Rapid speech, tangential conversations |
Why Misdiagnosis Happens
Many people with autism are first diagnosed with ADHD because hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity can be more noticeable than autistic traits like social communication struggles or repetitive behaviors. Some key reasons for misdiagnosis include:
- Masking: Individuals, especially females, may learn to “hide” autistic traits, making ADHD seem like the more obvious diagnosis.
- Medical Bias: Some professionals are more familiar with ADHD than autism, leading them to overlook autistic traits.
- Symptom Overlap: A child or adult may present with traits of both conditions, but only one gets recognized, leaving the other undiagnosed.
What If Someone Has Both? (AuDHD)
It’s entirely possible to have both autism and ADHD — sometimes called AuDHD (a combination of Autism + ADHD). This means experiencing both impulsivity and hyperactivity alongside strong routines, social challenges, and sensory sensitivities. Recognizing this dual diagnosis can lead to better support and accommodations.
Final Thoughts
If you or someone you know relates to both autism and ADHD traits, it’s worth seeking an evaluation from a specialist who understands both conditions. The right diagnosis can open doors to better self-awareness, support systems, and accommodations tailored to individual needs.
Understanding the similarities and differences between autism and ADHD is key to ensuring people receive the correct diagnosis and support. The more we learn, the better we can create a world that embraces neurodiversity in all its forms.