ADHD and Autism: Differences, Similarities, and Life with Both
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and autism are two different neurodevelopmental conditions, but they share some similarities and often occur together in the same person. If you or someone you know is both ADHD and autistic, you might have noticed that these conditions can sometimes feel like they’re working against each other—and other times, like they’re balancing each other out. In this post, we’ll explore what makes ADHD and autism different, how they overlap, and what life might feel like for someone navigating the world with both ADHD and autism.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, though the name doesn’t fully capture everything about it. ADHD isn’t just about being “hyper” or not paying attention. People with ADHD have brains that are wired for novelty, change, and excitement. They may struggle with executive functioning, which includes skills like organizing, staying on task, managing time, and regulating emotions. ADHD brains crave stimulation, which is why people with ADHD might often feel bored or restless and enjoy activities that are spontaneous, challenging, or fast-paced.
At the same time, ADHD can make it hard to stick with boring or repetitive tasks, even if they’re important. Things like homework, cleaning, or paying bills can feel impossible to focus on, even with the best intentions. ADHD isn’t about laziness or not caring—it’s about the brain needing more effort to do things that don’t naturally grab its attention.
What Is Autism?
Autism is about experiencing the world differently than most people. Autistic people often have unique ways of processing sensory information, communicating, and thinking. They may deeply value routines, predictability, and consistency, which can make changes or surprises feel overwhelming. Autistic people might also have intense interests or passions that they focus on for long periods of time. These interests bring them joy, comfort, and a sense of purpose.
Social communication can often be challenging for autistic people, not because they don’t care about others, but because they might approach communication in ways that differ from what’s typical. For example, they might prefer honest, meaningful conversations over small talk or find it hard to pick up on subtle neurotypical social cues.
How ADHD and Autism Are Different
At first glance, ADHD and autism might seem like opposites. ADHD thrives on change, novelty, and spontaneity, while autism often seeks sameness, routine, and predictability. People with ADHD might find it hard to stay organized or focus on tasks, while autistic people might excel at focusing on details and creating structure. ADHD can lead to impulsive decisions or behaviors, while autism might make someone hesitant to try new things.
How ADHD and Autism Overlap
Despite their differences, ADHD and autism also have a lot in common. Both are neurodevelopmental conditions, meaning they affect how the brain grows and develops. People with ADHD and autism might both struggle with sensory sensitivities, such as being overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures. Both can involve difficulties with social interactions, though for different reasons. ADHD can make someone talkative or interruptive, while autism might make someone more reserved or unsure of how to join a conversation.
Another similarity is how both ADHD and autism can affect emotional regulation. People with either condition might feel emotions more intensely or have trouble calming down when they’re upset.
What It’s Like to Have Both ADHD and Autism
For someone who is both ADHD and autistic, life can feel like a constant balancing act. The two conditions can sometimes clash, creating internal conflict or “dissonance.” Autism might crave structure, routines, and a predictable environment, while ADHD thrives on excitement, newness, and flexibility. For example, someone might set up a daily routine that feels comforting to their autistic side, but their ADHD side might quickly get bored and want to break away from it.
This push-and-pull can make it hard to feel settled. Imagine trying to follow a strict schedule (something that autism might appreciate) but getting distracted or sidetracked (something ADHD often causes). Or imagine feeling restless and wanting to try something new (driven by ADHD), but also feeling anxious or resistant to change (driven by autism).
When ADHD and Autism Support Each Other
While ADHD and autism can sometimes seem at odds, they can also complement each other in amazing ways. Autism’s preference for structure can help ADHD stay organized and complete tasks. For instance, an autistic person with ADHD might use detailed schedules, checklists, or routines to keep their ADHD brain on track. These strategies might not come naturally to someone with ADHD alone, but the autistic need for order can help provide that framework.
On the other hand, ADHD’s love for novelty and spontaneity can help an autistic person avoid getting too stuck in routines. ADHD might encourage someone to try new things, explore different interests, or approach a problem from a fresh perspective. While change can be hard for autistic people, ADHD can provide the energy and curiosity to make change feel exciting rather than overwhelming.
Common Challenges and Strengths
Living with both ADHD and autism can come with unique challenges, but it also brings unique strengths. Some challenges might include:
Sensory overload: Both ADHD and autism can heighten sensory sensitivities, making noisy, chaotic, or overstimulating environments feel overwhelming and difficult to manage.
Executive functioning struggles: ADHD can make it hard to stay focused and avoid distractions, while autism might make it difficult to switch between tasks or adapt to changes. Both conditions can also affect working memory, which makes holding onto and using information in the moment more challenging.
Social difficulties: ADHD can lead to impulsive comments, trouble paying attention during conversations, or relational conflicts due to poor organization or forgetfulness. Autism can involve challenges with understanding social norms, differences in communication styles, or dealing with social anxiety, which can make forming connections harder.
But there are also plenty of strengths:
Creativity and focus: ADHD’s love of novelty combined with autism’s ability to dive deeply into interests can lead to unique and creative ideas.
Problem-solving: The combination of ADHD’s out-of-the-box thinking and autism’s attention to detail can make someone an excellent problem solver.
Adaptability: While the push-and-pull between ADHD and autism can feel like a challenge, it can also teach someone how to balance structure and flexibility in a way that works for them.
Embracing Neurodiversity
It’s important to remember that both ADHD and autism are natural variations of how human brains work. They’re not flaws or deficits but different ways of thinking and experiencing the world. People who are both ADHD and autistic might face unique struggles, but they also have unique strengths that can make them resilient, creative, and resourceful.
Understanding and supporting someone with ADHD and autism means recognizing these strengths while also acknowledging the challenges they face. It’s about creating environments that meet their needs, whether that’s through routines, flexibility, sensory accommodations, or social support.
If you or someone you know is both ADHD and autistic, know that it’s okay to feel conflicted or unsure at times. It’s a journey of self-discovery, figuring out how to balance the competing needs for sameness and novelty, routine and spontaneity. With the right strategies and support, it’s possible to create a life that honors both sides of the neurodivergent brain.
Ultimately, being both ADHD and autistic is a powerful example of how complex and diverse human minds can be—and how that diversity makes the world a richer and more interesting place.
