Yet sometimes the two conditions can help and complement each other – for example, ADHD traits can make a person suffer autism More sociable and autistic traits can help the ADHD person concentrate.

“The way I describe it is that autism can be like a parent to ADHD, because it doesn’t let it become too lawless or disorganized,” says Dr. Sadiq. While “ADHD is like a friend to autism and doesn’t let it be too lonely.”

What is the connection between autism and ADHD?

Both autism and ADHD are neurodevelopmental disorders. They share certain traits and have a strong genetic link, but exactly how they are connected is not yet clear.

Some researchers believe they belong to a spectrum of neurodiversity in which different symptoms appear at different times; others believe that eventually we will understand AuDHD as a distinct diagnosis.

Dr. Fleur-Michelle Coiffait is a consultant clinical psychologist specializing in autism and ADHD. “The more I work in this field and the more clients I see, the more I think that AuDHD is not just one or the other: it has unique challenges,” she says.

Common Features of AuDHD

Several traits ASD and ADHD appear in AuDHD. However, not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. “In some people, autism can be more pronounced, in others, ADHD can be very strong,” says Dr. Sadiq.

Features of AuDHD include:

Social challenges

“In general, we find that people with ADHD benefit a lot from social interactions, but AuDHD people might find that they have more autistic-like social challenges,” says Dr. Coiffait. This can feel like having no filter and letting things slip; wanting social situations but having difficulty understanding others; or feeling easily overwhelmed and tired, but struggling to slow down and recharge.

Inattention and hyperconcentration

Some may have difficulty focusing on things that don’t interest them, but may “hyperfocus” on particular interests or when pressed by a deadline.

Sensory differences

They may be over- or under-reactive to sensory stimulation, such as noise, light and touch, and may have difficulty with certain foods or strong smells.

Impulsiveness

“Impulsivity can be driven by ADHD stimulation-seeking or autistic frustration when things don’t happen at a specific time,” says Dr. Sadiq. This can lead to relationship problems and addictive behaviors towards drugs, alcohol, food, gambling or gambling.

Stimulate and agitate

Agitation, stimuli (repetitive movements or sounds that people use to manage their emotions), and verbal tics may be the product of ADHD agitation or an autistic attempt to self-soothe.

Emotional regulation

Difficulties with emotional regulation can lead to emotional outbursts.
“Oftentimes autism and ADHD pull them in two different directions, they’re navigating that within themselves and it can be very exhausting,” says Dr. Coiffait. “They may spend a lot of time masking themselves and behaving the way they feel they should behave in situations, being a bit of a chameleon, which can impact your mental health.”

The impact of AuDHD on daily life

Living with undiagnosed AuDHD can lead to burnoutrecurring health problems related to stress and anxiety.