5 signs you have ADHD and autism

TL;DR

Individuals with both autism and ADHD may experience inner conflict, balancing of contradictory traits, intense special interests, different versions of themselves in different environments, and a sense of connection with others who have both diagnoses.

Transcript

Studies show that anywhere between 30 and 80  percent of autistic people also have ADHD. And   the number seems slightly lower for the number  of adhders who are also autistic but that's still   a pretty hefty chunk of overlap. The disparity  between the two probably just means that ADHD   is slightly more prevalent or maybe slightly  more diagnose... Read More

Key Insights

• 🐕‍🦺 Studies show a significant overlap between autism and ADHD, with many autistic individuals also having ADHD and vice versa.
• 🥺 Despite the overlap, diagnostic criteria for autism and ADHD do not align, leading to a lack of information and professional literature on dual diagnoses.
• 🍽️ Individuals with both autism and ADHD may experience constant inner conflict and contradictory traits, intense special interests, different versions of themselves in different environments, and a sense of connection with others who have both diagnoses.
• ❓ Special interests may vary in intensity and duration for individuals with both autism and ADHD.
• ♻️ The environment plays a significant role in the prominence of different traits, with ADHD traits more noticeable in familiar settings and autistic traits more noticeable in unfamiliar or overstimulating environments.
• ❓ Relating to others who have both autism and ADHD can be a crucial aspect of finding understanding and support.

Questions & Answers

Q: Is it common for individuals to have both autism and ADHD?

Yes, studies show that a significant percentage of autistic individuals also have ADHD, although the opposite is slightly less common. This suggests that ADHD may be slightly more prevalent or more diagnosed on a population level.

Q: Why is there little information about the overlap between autism and ADHD?

The DSM, the diagnostic manual for psychologists, does not address the overlap between autism and ADHD, which has limited professional literature on the topic. Fortunately, individuals can share their experiences online, allowing for more personal accounts and insights.

Q: Can individuals be diagnosed with both autism and ADHD?

In the past, it was challenging to obtain a dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD. If an individual had one diagnosis, they could not receive the other. However, with increasing awareness and understanding, it is now possible to receive a dual diagnosis.

Q: How do individuals with both autism and ADHD present differently?

Each individual's presentation will be unique, but common signs include constant inner conflict, apparent balancing of contradictory traits, intense special interests, different versions of themselves in different environments, and feeling a connection with others who share both diagnoses.

Key Insights:

• Studies show a significant overlap between autism and ADHD, with many autistic individuals also having ADHD and vice versa.
• Despite the overlap, diagnostic criteria for autism and ADHD do not align, leading to a lack of information and professional literature on dual diagnoses.
• Individuals with both autism and ADHD may experience constant inner conflict and contradictory traits, intense special interests, different versions of themselves in different environments, and a sense of connection with others who have both diagnoses.
• Special interests may vary in intensity and duration for individuals with both autism and ADHD.
• The environment plays a significant role in the prominence of different traits, with ADHD traits more noticeable in familiar settings and autistic traits more noticeable in unfamiliar or overstimulating environments.
• Relating to others who have both autism and ADHD can be a crucial aspect of finding understanding and support.
• The overlap and interaction between autism and ADHD highlight the complexity of neurodivergent experiences and the need for individualized understanding and support.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Studies show that there is a significant overlap between autism and ADHD, with anywhere between 30 and 80 percent of autistic individuals also having ADHD.

• The diagnostic criteria for autism and ADHD do not overlap, despite the high degree of overlap between the two conditions, particularly in terms of executive functioning issues.

• Individuals with both autism and ADHD may experience constant inner conflict, apparent balancing of traits, intense special interests, different versions of themselves in different environments, and a sense of connection with others who have both diagnoses.