Autism and ADHD often co-occur, known as AuDHD. Both autism and ADHD have shared characteristics and overlapping traits. We need more research to know more about ADHD and autism and how they relate to each other.

Key facts

• ADHD and autism frequently co-occur. Many people with one of the two diagnoses show elevated traits of both ADHD and autism.
• Common experiences for ADHD and autism include sensory differences, intense focus on specific interests, rejection sensitivity, executive dysfunction, sleep issues and emotional dysregulation.
• Someone with ADHD is more likely to seek out novelty and make more impulsive decisions, whereas an autistic person is more likely to crave routine and structure.
• If someone is autistic and has ADHD, known as AuDHD, they may experience an internal struggle between their competing autistic and ADHD traits and a heightened experience of shared traits.

Jump to: About ADHD Autism and ADHD

About ADHD

ADHD, which stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is characterised by difficulty regulating attention, activity levels and impulsive behaviour. Many people may experience the behaviours associated with ADHD from time to time. However, it is the frequency and intensity of ADHD behaviours that can lead someone to seek a diagnosis.

Although often associated with children, for many, ADHD is a lifelong condition. ADHD behaviours must be present in childhood for an adult to receive a diagnosis. There are three main presentations of ADHD: mostly hyperactive, mostly inattentive or combined, where someone shows both hyperactive and inattentive qualities.

Signs of ADHD include:

• Hyperactivity, impulsivity, difficulties with focus, and trouble following conversations. These traits are listed in the diagnostic criteria.
• Emotional dysregulation (including rejection sensitivity), executive dysfunction, time management issues, struggles with delayed gratification, sleep problems, working memory difficulties, and sensory issues are not diagnostic criteria, but many people with ADHD experience these too.

These challenges significantly affect someone’s daily life and may lead to academic or professional difficulties, as well as increased risks of mental health challenges, substance abuse, and road accidents.

Although it comes with challenges, many people embrace the positives that come with having ADHD. Here are some themes from a questionnaire when researchers asked people with ADHD to talk about their best qualities:⁴

• Creativity, whether that’s art, music or writing or ‘outside-the-box thinking’
• High energy, passion and drive
• Agreeableness
• Flexibility and open-mindedness

Autism and ADHD

There is a strong link between autism and ADHD, with both having high heritability and genetic overlap. Common traits shared in ADHD and autism include:

• Sensory differences
• Executive dysfunction
• Hyperfocus and intense interests
• Rejection sensitivity
• Social challenges
• Sleep disturbances
• Differences in eye contact
• Difficulties with interoception, such as noticing when you are hungry

Although there are many similarities, differences exist; ADHD individuals may crave novelty and exhibit impulsivity, while autistic people often seek routine and similarity. If someone is autistic and has ADHD, which some people refer to as AuDHD, they may experience an internal struggle between these contrasting traits. An AuDHD person is likely to experience a heightened version of the shared autism and ADHD characteristics, such as an intense focus on hobbies and interests, or experience challenges socialising with neurotypical people.

What you can do to better manage ADHD

Jump to: See your doctor Medication Talking therapy and/or coaching Exercise Mindfulness and meditation

See your doctor

Autistic people tell us that going to the doctor can be stressful because they feel that health professionals do not understand their needs. However, seeing your doctor is an important step towards looking after yourself. Using tools like health passports may help your doctor understand your needs.

It is the law that reasonable adjustments must be made in health and social care. You can tell your doctor what reasonable adjustments you need. They can use the reasonable adjustments digital flag, so you don’t need to explain every time you use an NHS service.

In the past few years, there has been an increased interest in ADHD, with many adults seeking a diagnosis. Waiting times are lengthy for an NHS diagnosis in the UK, and a private diagnosis is unaffordable for many. If you think you have ADHD, you may want to explore an option called the ‘Right to Choose’, where someone can be referred by their GP to seek a private ADHD diagnosis paid for by the NHS. There are still waiting times, but they are shorter than the NHS.

Medication

Different types of medication are available for ADHD, which may help someone feel more focused in their day-to-day life. For example, medication may help to increase concentration and reduce distractibility. Some autistic people may be more (or less) sensitive to medication. If you feel comfortable, speak to your doctor to discuss your options.

Talking therapy and/or coaching

There are lots of different therapies that can help people better manage their ADHD, such as talking therapies. ADHD coaches can help you find tools and strategies to stay organised and on top of tasks.

Exercise

Some research suggests that regular physical exercise can help young people with ADHD improve problem-solving, planning, processing and working memory.

Although we need more research to learn if this is helpful for adults, regular physical activity has many physical and mental benefits. It doesn’t have to be going to the gym, or exhausting yourself, but it’s worth finding something active that you enjoy enough to keep doing.

Some people may have to moderate exercise if they have a physical disability. An occupational therapist can help find exercise that works best for your needs

Mindfulness and meditation

Although the findings from studies are mixed, some studies suggest that mindfulness and meditation can help alleviate inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity for people with ADHD. Mindfulness isn’t always suitable for everyone. It might not be for you if it leaves you feeling more stressed and anxious than before you started.

References

[1] Hollingdale, J. et al., (2019) Autistic spectrum disorder symptoms in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a meta-analytical review.

[2] Lai, M et al., (2019) Prevalence of co-occurring mental health diagnoses in the autism population: a systematic review and meta-analysis

[3] adult prevalence: Ayano, G. et al., (2023) Prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: Umbrella review of evidence generated across the globe.

[4] Schippers, L et al., (2022). A qualitative and quantitative study of self-reported positive characteristics of individuals with ADHD.

[5] Sun, G. et al., (2023) Effects of physical exercise on attention deficit and other major symptoms in children with ADHD: A meta-analysis.