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Article describes co-occurrence of autism and ADHD, diagnostic challenges, and characteristics

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AuDHD: Understanding the Co-occurrence of Autism and ADHD

Autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can co-occur, a combination sometimes referred to as AuDHD. Obtaining a diagnosis for both conditions can be difficult, which may delay support. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) has allowed for a dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD since 2013.

Condition Characteristics and Prevalence

Autism affects social communication and often involves sensory sensitivities and a preference for routine. An estimated 1-2% of children and adults are autistic.

ADHD impacts the ability to focus, sustain attention, or control hyperactivity and impulsivity. An estimated 5-8% of children and 3% of adults have ADHD.

An estimated 30% to 50% of autistic people also have ADHD.

Diagnostic Patterns

Autism is typically diagnosed at an earlier age than ADHD in childhood. This may be because social difficulties associated with autism are often apparent in preschool, while ADHD traits may become more noticeable at school age.

Some individuals may mask autistic traits through learned social strategies. Furthermore, treatment for ADHD with medication can sometimes reveal previously less apparent autistic traits. In recent years, some individuals with one diagnosis have learned about the other condition through social media and considered they might have both.

Combined Effects of AuDHD

When both conditions are present, their characteristics can interact in unique ways:

  • Social Interaction: Difficulties from both conditions can combine, potentially leading to more challenges in social situations.
  • Repetitive Movements: Repetitive behaviors common in autism (stims) and fidgeting associated with ADHD hyperactivity can be more frequent or obvious.
  • Organisation: A desire for order (associated with autism) can conflict with organisational difficulties (associated with ADHD).
  • Interests: The pattern of intense but shorter-lived interests may follow ADHD's novelty-seeking tendency more than autism's pattern of long-standing special interests.
  • Routine: A preference for routine (autism) can conflict with a desire for spontaneity (ADHD), often resulting in adherence to routine due to anxiety.

Reported Strengths and Outcomes

A diagnosis can lead to self-acceptance and understanding for some individuals.

Reported strengths can include traits associated with either condition, such as attention to detail, subject expertise, creativity, and the ability to develop novel solutions.

A diagnosis can also provide access to treatments and supports, which may include medication, therapy, coaching, and accommodations.

This information is based on material from The Conversation.