ADHD vs autism, which is it? Or is it both?

Ever found yourself struggling with focus, acting on impulse, or feeling out of place in social settings? You might wonder if it’s ADHD, autism, or even both. While ADHD and autism are separate conditions, they can overlap in ways that make it hard to tell which is which or where one ends and the other begins. If you’ve been searching for answers, understanding the key traits of ADHD vs autism can help you take that first step toward clarity and the right support. 

Understanding your symptoms can help you start the conversation with a licensed mental health professional about whether it’s ADHD, autism, or both. Find a provider on Klarity Health today to get an assessment and explore treatment options.

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Autism and ADHD are neurodevelopmental disorders

Autism and ADHD are classified as neurodevelopmental disorders. These are disorders that happen when the development of a person’s nervous system is disrupted, specifically in areas that regulate behavior, attention, and social skills. As a result, autistic people and those with ADHD have brains that function differently from what’s considered neurotypical and may identify as neurodivergent. 

ADHD and autism are often, but not always, diagnosed during childhood. 

• Parents or caregivers may start to recognize symptoms of autism at an early age (toddler-age) if their child has challenges with communication. 
• ADHD is typically diagnosed during the early school years. But, many adults live with ADHD or autism without ever having received an official diagnosis. 

Even though they’re different developmental disorders, ADHD and autism share some common traits — such as difficulties with focus, communication, and emotional regulation — which makes it easy to see how they might be confused. Understanding the differences is key to finding the right support and treatment.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a condition that impacts a person’s ability to focus, stay organized, and manage impulses. The hallmarks of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Some people experience a combination of symptoms. Many adults with ADHD may find it hard to complete tasks, concentrate on detailed work, or remain still for extended periods.

What is autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a spectrum disorder, meaning that symptoms can look different from person to person and range from mild to severe. The autistic spectrum results in a wide range of characteristics among individuals. It affects how people communicate and interact with others. It often involves challenges with social cues, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. 

Unlike ADHD, autism typically influences social functioning more specifically and may include difficulty understanding nonverbal communication or engaging in certain social norms.

ADHD vs autism at a glance

Distinguishing between autism vs ADHD can be challenging, as both are neurodevelopmental conditions that share certain characteristics. 

The following table outlines the primary symptoms and areas of overlap between ADHD and autism.

If you’re concerned you might have autism or ADHD-like symptoms, consulting a licensed healthcare professional is crucial for accurate diagnosis and support.

Similarities of ADHD vs autism in adults

ADHD and autism affect how individuals perceive, process, and interact with the world around them, which can lead to similar behavioral patterns and experiences. 

Social interaction challenges

Adults with both ADHD and autism can struggle with social interactions, though often for different reasons. For those with ADHD, missing social cues might stem from difficulty staying focused in conversations, while for those with autism, it can come from not fully understanding the cues themselves. This can affect everything from reading body language to maintaining conversations, and, in both conditions, can lead to feelings of isolation or challenges in building lasting relationships.

Difficulty with focus and attention

A hallmark of symptoms of ADHD is inattention, but adults with autism may also have difficulties focusing, especially on tasks they find uninteresting. Both conditions can involve challenges in staying organized and following through on long-term projects.

Sensory sensitivities

Adults with ADHD or autism may experience heightened sensitivity to lights, sounds, or textures. While sensory overload is often associated with autism, individuals with ADHD can also feel discomfort in environments that are either too stimulating or not stimulating enough, leaving them restless or overwhelmed.

Executive functioning deficits

Both ADHD and autism affect executive functioning, which is the set of cognitive skills needed for organization, time management, and problem-solving. In both conditions, adults may struggle to manage daily tasks, plan, or regulate emotions effectively.

These similarities may be why many adults find it difficult to pinpoint ADHD vs autism or both. 

Differences between ADHD and autism in adults

ADHD and autism are distinct conditions with key differences in how they manifest in adults. Understanding these differences can help you recognize your unique challenges with either condition.

ADHD stimming vs autism stimming

Stimming, or self-stimulatory behavior, is common in both ADHD and autism but tends to serve different purposes and takes distinct forms in each condition. 

In adults with ADHD, stimming often appears as fidgeting — tapping fingers, bouncing legs, or pacing. These movements help release excess energy and help you concentrate during tasks.

For adults with autism, stimming typically serves as a way to manage sensory overload or regulate their emotions. Autism stimming may involve more repetitive behaviors, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning, and is often used as a calming mechanism in overwhelming situations.

Social communication

Adults with ADHD generally have fewer difficulties understanding social cues than autistic adults. While individuals with ADHD may struggle with impulsive comments or interrupting conversations, they tend to have a better grasp of verbal and non-verbal communication skills compared to those with autism, who may find it challenging to interpret facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language.

Hyperactivity vs restricted interests

Hyperactivity is a hallmark of ADHD, often making it hard for adults to sit still or stay focused on one task for long—they might feel constantly restless and driven to keep moving. Interestingly, though, adults with ADHD can also experience “hyperfocus,” becoming intensely absorbed in something that captures their interest. In contrast, adults with autism typically engage in more structured, repetitive behaviors, like deeply focusing on specific interests or routines. While these interests tend to be more pronounced and enduring in autism, someone with ADHD might switch between different pursuits more frequently, depending on where their focus lands.

Emotional regulation

Both autism and ADHD affect emotional regulation, but for different reasons. 

Adults with ADHD may experience impulsive, emotional reactions—like frustration, anger, or excitement—that shift quickly, often due to challenges in managing impulses and staying centered.

On the other hand, adults with autism might have a more muted emotional response, often because they process emotions differently and may struggle with expressing them. This can sometimes make them appear detached or unresponsive to social or emotional cues.

Can you have both ADHD and autism?

An individual can be diagnosed with both ADHD and autism. When someone is diagnosed with 2 conditions, it’s known as comorbidity. This means that both neurodevelopmental disorders coexist in the same person, leading to a unique combination of traits and challenges. 

Recognizing comorbidity

Research suggests that ADHD is more common in autistic people than in the general population. Studies indicate that approximately 50 to 70% of autistic people also exhibit symptoms of ADHD. This overlap can complicate making a diagnosis because the symptoms of 1 condition can mask or mimic the other. 

Shared symptoms

ADHD and autism involve difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and challenges in social situations. But the underlying causes and experiences of the symptoms may differ significantly. 

For example, Adults with ADHD may struggle to maintain attention due to impulsivity and distractibility, while an autistic person might have an intense focus on specific interests but difficulty shifting attention. Or, with social interactions, impulsivity in ADHD can lead to interruptions during conversations, whereas autism may cause misunderstandings of social cues or difficulty with reciprocal communication. Shared symptoms look different depending on the condition.

Importance of comprehensive assessment

A thorough assessment by a qualified mental health professional is essential when diagnosing comorbidity. An assessment considers the full range of symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. 

A provider who understands the nuances of both conditions works with an individual to create a tailored approach to treatment. Treatment options may include behavioral therapy, medication, and skills training to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with both ADHD and autism.

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How is autism vs ADHD diagnosed?

Diagnosing ADHD and autism involves a comprehensive evaluation process that considers various factors, including behavioral assessments, medical history, developmental milestones, and interviews. 

Both conditions have specific diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The diagnostic criteria for each disorder have unique elements.

Diagnostic criteria for ADHD

To diagnose ADHD, healthcare professionals look for symptoms that meet specific criteria outlined in the DSM-5. The key points include:

• Duration and severity: ADHD symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be severe enough to interfere with daily functioning in at least 2 settings (for example, home, work, or school).
• Categories of symptoms: The symptoms of ADHD are divided into 2 main types of ADHD:
  • Inattention: includes difficulty sustaining attention, making mistakes, and trouble organizing tasks.
  • Hyperactivity-impulsivity: encompasses fidgeting, talking excessively, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting for one’s turn.

Many people with ADHD have the combined type, meaning they have symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that last for at least 6 months. 

A qualified mental health professional usually conducts interviews and administers questionnaires and behavior rating scales to evaluate these symptoms in children and adults.

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Diagnostic criteria for autism

Diagnosing autism involves a different set of criteria outlined in the DSM-5. Critical elements include:

• Persistent deficits in social communication and interaction: autistic people typically have challenges with social interactions, such as difficulty with eye contact, understanding social cues, and forming relationships.
• Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, which includes repetitive movements, adherence to routines, and intense focus on specific interests or objects.

The evaluation process

Screening for ADHD and autism may begin with a simple tool or questionnaire. Parents, caregivers, or partners may fill these out to report behaviors observed over time. 

A comprehensive assessment includes:

• Initial screenings to understand medical history, current and historical symptoms, and the impact on daily functioning. 

• Clinical interviews: talking with the individual and their family to gather detailed histories.
• Monitoring developmental milestones: reporting on how a child develops over time and how they meet milestones 
• Behavioral observations: direct observations in various settings to assess behavior and interactions.
• Standardized tests: using standardized diagnostic tools specifically designed to evaluate symptoms of ADHD and autism.
• Collaboration with other professionals: it’s common for several professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and pediatricians, to be involved in the evaluation process. Collaboration ensures that all aspects of the individual’s behavior and history are considered.

How are ADHD and autism treated?

Treating ADHD and autism typically involves a multifaceted approach tailored to the individual’s specific needs. While there are some overlaps in treatment options, the strategies used for each condition may differ based on the unique challenges associated with ADHD and autism.

Treatment options for ADHD

ADHD treatment often includes a combination of both medication and therapy.

Medication: ADHD medications are often the first line of treatment and can significantly improve symptoms. The most common types are stimulants and non-stimulants. 

• Stimulants: medication, such as Ritalin (methylphenidate) and amphetamines like Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine), are widely used and can help increase attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
• Non-stimulants: options, like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine), may be prescribed for individuals who don’t respond well to stimulants or experience undesirable side effects. Non-stimulants may also be used in combination with stimulants.

Therapy can help people with ADHD develop the skills and tools to improve daily functioning. Effective ADHD therapy includes:

• Behavior therapy: focuses on specific behaviors and implementing strategies to modify them. 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): focuses on changing negative thought patterns and developing coping strategies.
• Neurofeedback: uses real-time brain activity monitoring to help individuals learn to regulate their brain function and improve focus, mood, and behavior.
• ADHD coaching: focuses on building practical strategies for better focus, time management, and daily organization.

Lifestyle changes may also help improve quality of daily life. 

• Structured routines: establishing a consistent daily schedule with eating, sleeping, and daily responsibilities minimizes distractions and enhances focus.
• Healthy lifestyle: regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep can improve overall well-being and help manage symptoms.
• Stress management: deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or other mindfulness practices help reduce stress. 

Treatment options for autism

Therapeutic interventions can help people with autism develop skills to improve social interactions and complete tasks. 

• Applied behavior analysis (ABA): focuses on improving specific behaviors and skills, using positive reinforcement to encourage desired actions.

• Social skills training: helps individuals develop essential social skills through practice and role-playing.
• Speech and language therapy: helps improve language skills and enhance the ability to express needs and emotions effectively.
• Occupational therapy: addresses sensory sensitivities, improves motor skills, develops skills needed for daily activities, promoting independence. 

Medications can help manage symptoms too, such as anxiety, depression, or irritability that can occur with autism. Common options include:

• SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors): these can be helpful for alleviating anxiety and depression. 
• Antipsychotic medications: drugs like risperidone (Risperdal) may be prescribed to address severe behavioral issues.

Integrated treatment approaches

In cases where an individual has ADHD and autism, an integrated treatment plan that addresses both conditions may be needed, and may include:

• Coordinated care: collaboration among healthcare providers, therapists, and educators (for younger people) ensures that all individual care aspects are aligned and supportive.
• Tailored interventions: specific strategies may be used to address overlapping symptoms, like issues with focus and social interactions. 

When to seek help for your symptoms

Recognizing when to seek help for symptoms of ADHD or autism is important. If your symptoms significantly impact your daily functioning — such as you’re having persistent difficulty concentrating, ongoing organization issues, or struggles in social situations — it may be time to reach out for professional help. 

And, if you experience increased anxiety or depression, overwhelming frustration, frequent conflicts in relationships, or feelings of isolation, these can all indicate that you might benefit from talking to a qualified provider.

It’s also essential to seek help if you have tried various self-management strategies without success. Whether using ADHD planners to improve time management or attempting lifestyle changes without seeing improvement, these signs suggest that a professional evaluation could provide the clarity you need. 

A comprehensive assessment can help determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD, autism, or both. For support, resources, and a tailored treatment plan, consider Klarity Health, where you can connect with a provider who understands your situation and can offer a tailored treatment plan.

Key takeaways

• ADHD and autism are both conditions that affect how the brain develops. They can have similar signs but also have unique features.
• Adults with ADHD often have trouble paying attention and can be impulsive. In contrast, autistic adults usually have difficulties with social skills and communication. Knowing these differences helps with getting the right diagnosis and treatment.
• It’s possible to have ADHD and autism. This can make understanding their symptoms and getting the right treatment more complicated. A thorough evaluation is needed for a proper diagnosis.
• A qualified healthcare professional can do a detailed assessment to diagnose ADHD or autism or both. Treatment options might include therapy, skills training, medication, lifestyle changes, and personalized support.
• If you notice signs of ADHD or autism in yourself, it’s important to reach out for help. Finding a healthcare provider can help you find effective ways to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Get answers. Get evaluated for ADHD or autism.

Don’t wait to seek help if you’re struggling. A proper evaluation can provide clarity and guide you to effective treatment. Find a provider who understands your needs and can help you on your path to better health and well-being.