Autism and/or ADHD: What Parents Need to Know
Many parents come to us after their child has already been given an ADHD diagnosis, or because they’re trying to figure out if what they see is autism, ADHD, or both. These questions are common — and important. Because the symptoms often overlap, it’s not always easy to tell the difference. Understanding your child’s unique profile and knowing when to seek an evaluation can bring clarity, reduce stress, and open the door to the right supports.
That’s why we wrote this blog, to help families better understand the similarities and differences between autism and ADHD, and why getting the right evaluation makes such a difference.
Why the Confusion?
Autism and ADHD are two of the most common developmental conditions in children. Both can impact school, relationships, and family life. And both may manifest in similar ways: difficulty focusing, being “in their world,” or struggling to follow directions.
Research shows that co-occurrence is common; the CDC suggests that many children with autism also meet criteria for ADHD. That overlap often leaves parents unsure which evaluation to pursue first.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is defined by differences in:
Social communication (e.g., eye contact, conversation skills, reading nonverbal cues)
Restricted and repetitive behaviors (e.g., strong interests, reliance on routines, sensory sensitivities)
Early signs may include:Limited eye contact or social smiling
Not responding to their name
Differences in play (lining up toys, unusual focus)
Distress with small changes in routine
Differences in sensory processing (very sensitive or under-reactive)
Autism is lifelong, but early identification and support can dramatically improve outcomes.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is defined by challenges with:
Attention (difficulty sustaining focus, easily distracted)
Hyperactivity (restlessness, trouble sitting still)
Impulsivity (acting before thinking, blurting out answers)
Early signs may include:Constant movement or fidgeting
Frequent interruptions during conversations
Difficulty finishing tasks or following directions
Trouble organizing or remembering details
While autism centers on differences in social communication, ADHD centers on self-regulation of attention and behavior.
Key Differences Parents May Notice
Social interaction:Autism → difficulty understanding or using social rules (e.g., not knowing how to join a game).
ADHD → understands rules but may break them impulsively (e.g., blurting out during a game).
Communication:Autism → language may develop differently; conversations may feel one-sided.
ADHD → language development is typically on track, but conversations may be rushed or frequently interrupted.
Focus:
Autism → strong, intense focus on preferred interests.
ADHD → difficulty sustaining focus across tasks, easily distracted.
Repetitive behaviors:
Autism → reliance on routines, restricted interests, repetitive play.
ADHD → novelty-seeking; prefers variety over repetition.
When Both Are Present
Many children have both autism and ADHD. Studies estimate 30–50% of children with autism also meet ADHD criteria. This is called a dual diagnosis.
Why it matters:
If only autism is identified, ADHD-related supports (like classroom accommodations for focus) may be missed.
If only ADHD is diagnosed, social-communication interventions for autism may be delayed.
A dual diagnosis gives a fuller picture and helps parents, teachers, and providers support the whole child.
How Understanding Characteristics Helps Families
Getting the right evaluation is just the start. What matters most is how families use this knowledge in everyday life.
Processing Information Takes TimeIf you know your child takes longer to process information, because they’re filtering background sounds, movement, and “noise” you can adjust.
When you repeat a question too quickly, it can restart their processing cycle. Instead of helping, it may add frustration, leading to behaviors that look like refusal or meltdown.
But when you understand this characteristic, you:
Pause and give extra time.
Use fewer words.
See behavior as overload, not defiance.
This shift reduces stress and helps your child feel understood and respected.
Skill Deficit vs. Behavior ProblemSometimes what looks like a behavior issue is really a skill your child hasn’t learned yet.
For example, if your child doesn’t greet people when they arrive or leave, it might feel like rudeness. But often, children with autism haven’t yet developed the social skill of reciprocal greetings.
When parents see this as a skill deficit, they can:
Teach greetings step by step.
Provide prompts and celebrate progress.
Reduce frustration for themselves and their child.
Why an Evaluation Is Important
Autism and ADHD both benefit from early support, but the approaches are different. That’s why a comprehensive evaluation matters.
At The Autism Resource Center, we use evidence-based assessment along with parent input and rating scales to give families a clear, individualized understanding. Our goal is to move families from uncertainty to confidence, without the long wait.
Moving From Overwhelmed to Empowered
Whether it’s autism, ADHD, or both, understanding your child’s unique profile changes everything. It shapes how parents respond at home, how children are supported at school, and how families advocate in the community.
Getting clarity is not about labeling; it’s about opening doors to the right resources, strategies, and opportunities.
Serving families across Central Texas
Schedule your free consultation today: https://www.theautismresourcecenter.com/contact-us
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
Antshel, K. M., & Russo, N. (2019). Autism spectrum disorders and ADHD: Overlapping phenomenology, diagnostic issues, and treatment considerations. Current Psychiatry Reports, 21(5), 34.
