In the past, autism and ADHD were thought not to be able to occur together. In recent years, medical specialists have acknowledged that people can have both conditions. The term “AuDHD” is used frequently to refer to the co-occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Understanding this combination can help an individual make sense of difficulties with attention, communication, sensory processing, routines, and emotional regulation. This article has everything you need to know about Co-Occurring Autism and ADHD (AuDHD).
What Is AuDHD?
AuDHD is not a distinct disease. Instead, AuDHD refers to a person who is autistic AND has ADHD. With the DSM-5’s introduction in 2013, both diagnoses were accepted, so when both are present, clinicians can identify both.
Autism can include patterns of social communication differences, sensory processing differences, repetitive behaviours, or a preference for routines/predictability. Whereas problems with attention, impulse control, hyperactivity, organisation, and time management often characterise ADHD. If both occur, these qualities can play out in complex ways.
How to Know if you have AuDHD
The symptoms of AuDHD will vary from person to person because they are a combination of two overlapping neurodevelopmental disorders.
Some autistic characteristics include difficulty understanding body language, sensitivity to sensory stimuli, repetitive behaviours, strong interests, and a dislike of change. Some of the symptoms associated with ADHD are distractibility, forgetfulness, restlessness, impulsivity, inability to organise tasks, and inability to follow through.
Executive function issues, such as planning, prioritisation, switching attention among tasks, and time management, could also be a challenge for individuals with AuDHD. Other common reports include sensory overload, hyperfocus, emotional regulation challenges, feeling overwhelmed by distractions, and a need for structure.
Are there any AuDHD Tests?
Currently, no single test can diagnose AuDHD. An online questionnaire may help someone determine if professional assessment is warranted, but it will not diagnose a problem.
The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) is one example of a screening questionnaire that can be utilized by clinicians in the diagnosis of ADHD. Autism screening tools can help detect the signs of autism, but a thorough assessment of a child’s autism requires the expertise of a professional. Assessment for autism can include structured observations or developmental interviews, and assessment for ADHD includes ADHD symptoms, how they affect functioning, and evidence that the symptoms started in childhood.
Other sources of information included in an assessment may include school records, previous psychological reports, family information, and developmental history. Keeping relevant documents and notes about persistent symptoms can be helpful.
What’s the Difference between AuDHD and ADHD?
AuDHD is different from ADHD in that it has both autism and ADHD, whereas ADHD does not have autism symptoms. The dominant symptom of ADHD can be inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, or executive-function difficulties.
Individuals with AuDHD may find that these difficulties co-occur with autistic traits: hyper-sensitivities, repetitive behaviors, inordinate and over-zealous interests, social-communication differences, and increased need for predictability or routine.
But the two sets of characteristics may also conflict. For instance, ADHD might lead to wanting something new and exciting, and autistic characteristics might lead to wanting something predictable and familiar. This can make day-to-day choices, transitions, and responsibilities very challenging.
Also Read About: ADHD Therapy and Treatment
What is done about AuDHD?
The support for AuDHD is mostly tailored and multi-modal. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. Rather, support may be autism- or ADHD-specific or both.
Therapy has the potential to provide a strategy to develop coping skills, emotional regulation, address anxiety, and strengthen executive functioning skills. Depending on the goals, the person may benefit from cognitive-behavioural therapy, social-skills support, and executive-function coaching.
A qualified health care provider may also consider using ADHD medications. Real-world modifications can be as significant. Support materials such as written instructions, visual schedules, noise-reducing headphones, extra time to complete tasks, reminders and organisational support can help to minimise overwhelm throughout the day.
When to Look for an Evaluation?
If attention difficulties, sensory experiences, social difficulties, emotional regulation and/or difficulties with organisation are interfering with work, education, relationships and/or daily life, please consider speaking with a qualified professional.
A professional assessment can help identify AuDHD and differentiate it from other conditions or difficulties which may yield similar symptoms. It can also help in understanding what sort of support is most suitable.
Access to autism assessment can be difficult for adults in British Columbia, and for those with ADHD, referral to a family doctor may be an initial step for discussing symptoms and making referrals as needed.
When Should You Seek an AuDHD Assessment?
If you have a child with whom you see some autistic and some ADHD characteristics, it is important to seek professional advice to help you understand what is going on. An assessment may help when a child’s difficulties with attention, organisation, sensory experiences, communication, routines, or emotional regulation affect school, work, relationships, or day-to-day life.
Limited publicly funded systems in British Columbia can make accessing an adult autism assessment difficult. A family physician is usually the first place to go for a child who is suspected of having ADHD, and might refer or suggest additional testing or a specialist.
How Can Boomerang Counselling Centre Help?
Boomerang Counselling Centre offers counselling and referral services for families and individuals in North Vancouver and surrounding areas related to neurodiversity such as ADHD, autism, and related issues. Its therapists can help clients understand their experiences, the assessment process, and how to access appropriate therapeutic support. Services can include cognitive-behavioural therapy, counselling, or parenting support.
The purpose is not just to label their experiences. While the understanding of autism and ADHD can help individuals, parents, and professionals recognize strategies that work more effectively for people with these conditions, it can also help them understand that a combination of both conditions may be present.
The awareness of autism and ADHD can aid individuals, parents, and professionals in recognizing strategies that work better for people with autism and/or ADHD. Support can be therapy, EF strategies, accommodations, and other appropriate interventions.
Conclusion
AuDHD is not a defect nor a lack of ability, but the presence of both autism and ADHD. Understanding both can help you better understand why some situations are challenging and what more appropriate strategies and accommodations are available.
If you are familiar with a few symptoms of AuDHD and some of these symptoms are present in yourself, you might consider using an online AuDHD test to reflect on your situation, but the only way to determine your needs is to get a professional assessment. Individuals who have autism and ADHD can learn strategies with proper guidance and support to enhance daily functioning, relationships, and well-being.
