5 Signs You Have ADHD & Autism

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*ADHD and Autism Overlap: It's a Thing*

#neurodivergent #stimming

📚 RESEARCH CITATIONS AT THE BOTTOM 👇

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Many people think of autism and ADHD as distinct conditions, but there's a significant overlap between the two. Studies show that 20-80% of autistic children also exhibit ADHD symptoms, and vice versa (30-65%).

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This overlap can be confusing. Traditional stereotypes portray autism as a love of routine and order, while ADHD is characterized by impulsivity and hyperactivity. When someone has both, they might not neatly fit into either category.

Prior to 2013, the diagnostic manual (DSM) wouldn't allow for a dual diagnosis. Thankfully, this has changed, acknowledging the co-occurrence of these conditions.

Genetics play a significant role in both conditions, with a potential 50-72% overlap in contributing factors. This shared genetic background might explain why some people experience both sets of symptoms.

The lived experience of having both ADHD and autism (often called AuDHD in online communities) can be a constant struggle. It's a battle between wanting order and routine (autism) while simultaneously craving excitement and novelty (ADHD). This internal conflict can manifest in various ways:

*Need for order vs. Boredom:* You might crave a minimalist environment while finding it incredibly boring. You yearn for adventure, but struggle to initiate plans.
*Discipline vs. Impulsivity:* You might strive for discipline, but the ADHD side mocks you for wanting routine.
*Need for Space vs. Craving Attention:* The autistic side needs quiet and personal space, while the ADHD side desires connection and action. This can lead to confusion for others, as you might seem withdrawn or hostile while seeking interaction.

Another complication is that autism can sometimes mask ADHD symptoms, especially in girls. For example, a highly social ADHD girl might appear "normal" in public settings, but experience intense meltdowns when overstimulated upon returning home.

Special interests, a hallmark of autism, can also be affected. While autism typically involves a deep focus on a single topic for a long time, ADHD can lead to frequent shifts and a short attention span. This results in unfinished projects and scattered interests.

Decision-making can also be a challenge. You might spend years agonizing over minor choices while impulsively making major life decisions.

Even seemingly simple actions can be confusing. Stimming (self-regulation through repetitive movements) and fidgeting (focusing through movement) are both present in autism and ADHD, but they can manifest differently. Someone with AuDHD might struggle with choosing between stimming and fidgeting, leading to frustration.

People with both ADHD and autism are also 20% more likely to have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a condition characterized by intense resistance to demands and change.

This video by Ritu, creator of the Neurodivergent Mom channel, aims to raise awareness about the complexities of having both ADHD and autism. It highlights the challenges faced by those with AuDHD and offers resources for support.

RESEARCH CITATIONS:

https://neurodivergentinsights.com/ad...
Leitner Y. (2014). The co-occurrence of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children - what do we know?
Matson, JL, Rieske, RD, Williams, LW: The relationship between autism spectrum disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: An overview.
Rommelse, N. N., Franke, B., Geurts, H. M., Hartman, C. A., & Buitelaar, J. K. (2010). Shared heritability of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder.
Ronald, A, Simonoff, E, Kuntsi, J, Asherson, P, Plomin, R: Evidence for overlapping genetic influences on autistic and ADHD behaviours in a community twin sample.
(2017). A Causal and Mediation Analysis of the Comorbidity Between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
ADHD and autism: differential diagnosis or overlapping traits? A selective review.https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-012-00...