Can Autism and ADHD Co-Occur?

PostedNovember 12, 2025

UpdatedNovember 12, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, autism and ADHD comorbidity is not only possible but quite common. Many people diagnosed with autism also meet the criteria for ADHD, and vice versa. This dual diagnosis reflects the way both conditions exist on a spectrum and can influence each other in how they appear and affect daily life.

Although autism and ADHD were once thought to be mutually exclusive, growing research has confirmed their frequent co-occurrence. It’s estimated that up to 50-70% of autistic individuals also have ADHD. Understanding this neurodivergence helps explain why some people may experience a blend of traits such as intense focus alongside distractibility, or a desire for routine paired with impulsive behaviour. Getting the right diagnosis is essential, as it shapes the types of support, therapies, and accommodations needed.

Shared and Distinctive Signs

While some traits overlap, others may clash creating a unique profile that needs careful attention during assessment.

Difficulty Regulating Attention

Individuals may swing between hyperfocus and total distraction, depending on their interests or sensory environment.

Social Challenges

Autistic traits may cause difficulty understanding social rules, while ADHD-related impulsivity can lead to interrupting or missing cues.

Sensory Sensitivities and Movement

The need to stim or move frequently could be driven by sensory overload (common in autism) or physical restlessness (common in ADHD).

Recognising autism and ADHD comorbidity allows for more tailored, compassionate support that reflects the complexity of everyone.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape,read our complete guide to misdiagnosis and differential diagnosis.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.