When diagnosing a developmental disorder or a neurodevelopmental condition, it is important to consider the other disorders that may be more likely in that individual. Two conditions that are linked include autism and ADHD, both of which impact a person’s life in different ways. Find out more about the link in this guide.
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect a person’s social interaction capabilities and their behavior. People with autism usually show signs such as difficulty recognizing social cues, experiencing high sensitivity to sensory inputs like bright lights, and having a strong need for a rigid routine (and reacting when that routine is not followed to a tee).
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts an individual’s ability to focus. A person with ADHD usually shows signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may be unable to sit still or focus their attention on a task, especially if it is not of interest. It is often associated with children, but adults (both men and women) can also experience ADHD, with some individuals not receiving a diagnosis until they are older.
What is the Link?
There is a significant co-occurrence rate between autism and ADHD. Specifically, if a person has either ADHD or autism, they are more likely to have the other condition. This co-occurrence is significantly high but one doesn’t necessarily cause the other; they overlap. However, up until 2013, it was impossible for an individual to be diagnosed with both of these conditions at the same time due to the DSM-5. Nowadays, the diagnosis of both of these conditions is culturally referred to as AuDHD.
It is important for psychiatrists to check for co-occurrences when looking at an individual with either autism or ADHD. ASD and ADHD assessments are useful for this.
Diagnosing Autism & ADHD
Diagnosing a person, whether a child or adult, with both autism and ADHD can be challenging. This is partly because of the overlapping symptoms.
That is why a complete, thorough evaluation is required, and this is best completed by an experienced and specialist psychiatrist who knows the unique presentations of each of these neurodevelopmental conditions.
Living with Autism & ADHD
After receiving a diagnosis of both autism and ADHD, the individual will receive a very individualized treatment plan. Not everyone with autism and ADHD showcases the same symptoms, after all, and the severity can vary quite significantly.
Treatments for autism and ADHD typically consist of a mixture of therapies and medications to manage symptoms. Therapy will often focus on adaptive behaviors, helping the individual with the diagnosis to live a more fulfilled life.
Improving Diagnostic Abilities
Diagnosing autism and ADHD is a complex process due to the overlapping symptoms, so it is important to have access to the best diagnostic tools. Many businesses have a range of excellent resources to help people diagnose these conditions in both adults and children. For improved autism diagnoses, take a look at the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI®-R) assessment, which is a useful resource for ensuring a thorough interview that leads to more accuracy.