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Is ADHD Underdiagnosed in Autistic People? 

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Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

ADHD underdiagnosis in autism is a significant concern in both children and adults. Despite the clear overlap between autism and ADHD, many individuals on the autism spectrum may not receive an ADHD diagnosis, or their symptoms are attributed solely to autism. This missed diagnosis can lead to a lack of appropriate treatment, leaving individuals struggling with unmanaged ADHD symptoms, such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, which exacerbate the challenges of living with autism. 

Research suggests that ADHD underdiagnosis in autistic people is common due to diagnostic challenges. The behaviours shared by both conditions, such as difficulty focusing and social communication issues, can confuse clinicians, leading to one condition being misidentified as the other. This issue is especially pronounced in females, where the symptoms of ADHD in autism often present differently, further complicating accurate diagnosis. 

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Challenges in ADHD Diagnosis for Autistic Individuals 

Here are some of the key factors contributing to ADHD underdiagnosis in autism and its impact. 

Autism Diagnosis Challenges:  

The Autism diagnosis challenges often centre around the fact that both conditions share symptoms like social withdrawal, distractibility, and executive function difficulties. In many cases, clinicians focus on the autism diagnosis and overlook ADHD symptoms, assuming that inattention or hyperactivity are merely part of the autism spectrum. 

ADHD Missed Diagnosis:  

When ADHD is missed in autism, it can result in unaddressed challenges in attention, organisation, and impulse control, which can make it even harder for individuals to function in school, work, and social settings. This leads to greater frustration, poor academic performance, and emotional difficulties, further impacting quality of life. 

Addressing ADHD underdiagnosis in autistic people is crucial to ensuring that individuals receive the comprehensive care they need. Early identification and tailored interventions can improve outcomes for individuals living with both conditions. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations to understand how a dual diagnosis can be properly assessed and treated.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

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Victoria Rowe, MSc
Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

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. 

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