Autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are commonly co-occurring conditions with significantly elevated prevalence rates.
Though they are distinct, people with diagnoses of either autism or ADHD often struggle in similar situations. Also, autism can influence the presentation of ADHD and vice versa; accurate assessment for each is complicated and critical.While autism and ADHD are life-long conditions for most people, research has focused almost exclusively on children because that is when symptoms first emerge.
This emphasis on childhood leaves clinicians to extrapolate interventions and supports for adults. What we do know is that co-occurring autism and ADHD in adults carries unique implications and considerations that don’t exist for either condition on its own.
In short, autistic individuals who exhibit more ADHD symptoms also experience greater functional impairments.Despite anemic research beyond childhood, there is a growing clinical consensus regarding approaches to evaluation, treatment, and support for autistic adults with a co-occurring ADHD diagnosis.Autism is broadly characterized by persistent challenges in social communication and social interaction, as well as the presence of repetitive behaviors.