The conversation around neurodiversity is growing, and with it comes a clearer understanding that brains don’t fit into neat categories. As awareness develops, so does the recognition that these experiences are rarely simple. For those who are neurodiverse, it often isn’t just one set of traits or one way of thinking. It’s layered, nuanced, and sometimes difficult to put into a single definition.
It’s well-known that several co-morbid conditions exist alongside ADHD, and we’re seeing more people recognising that they may have ADHD and Autism.
If you’ve ever felt like you relate to both ADHD and Autism, you’re not imagining it. In fact, it’s incredibly common for these two conditions to overlap, even though many people don’t realise it at first.
You might recognise traits from one diagnosis, then notice parts of the other that also feel familiar. For a lot of people, this can bring a mix of relief, but it can also feel confusing, especially when things don’t quite fit into just one box. There is often a push-and-pull feeling when you have both conditions, with symptoms that often seem to contradict each other.
Why do ADHD and autism overlap so much?
Research consistently shows a high level of overlap between the two conditions. Studies show that between 30% to 70% of people with autism also have ADHD, and between 20% and 50% of people with ADHD show autistic traits.
There isn’t one simple answer to why there is an overlap, but research points to a few key reasons.
Shared genetics - Studies suggest that those with ADHD and Autism share around 50% to 70% of genetic influences. This means the same underlying biology can contribute to both.
Similar brain processes - Both conditions affect attention, executive functioning, and how the brain processes information. This can lead to similar outward behaviours, even if the underlying cause is slightly different.
Diagnostic challenges - Historically, people were not diagnosed with both conditions at the same time. This led to many people being diagnosed with one, while the other was missed. Even now, overlapping traits, such as inattention or social differences, can make it difficult to distinguish between the two, which is why comprehensive assessment is so important.
We’ve seen an increase in people asking for a diagnosis for both conditions, and The ADHD Centre now offers combined assessments for ADHD and Autism, which means you no longer have to attend two different assessments. Contact our enquiries team on 0800 061 4276 for more information.
Here’s a simple way to visualise how ADHD and autism can co-exist:
The “push–pull” scenario
One of the most difficult aspects of having both ADHD and Autism is the internal conflict they can create.
ADHD often comes with novelty, spontaneity, and change, while those with Autism often crave predictability, structure, and routine. When both are present, it can feel like being pulled in two directions at once.
This can impact daily life and can be debilitating when trying to complete everyday tasks.
Here are four push-pull scenarios and ways to overcome them if you have ADHD and Autism:
- Wanting routine but getting bored by it. You might carefully plan your day, only to feel restless and abandon it halfway through.
What can help:
Build a flexible structure. Keep a routine, but allow variation within it. For example, set a focus block each morning, but do different tasks each day. - Craving social connection but finding it overwhelming. ADHD may drive a desire for interaction, while Autism can make social situations draining or confusing.
What can help:
Plan social time with clear boundaries. Shorter meet-ups or structured activities can reduce overwhelm while still meeting the need for connection. - Hyperfocus vs shutdown. You may swing between intense focus (ADHD hyperfocus or autistic special interests) and complete mental shutdown when overloaded.
What can help:
Use external cues, such as timers or reminders, to gently transition between tasks. Pair this with regular breaks to avoid burnout. - Sensory overload with impulsive reactions. You might feel overwhelmed by noise or light and respond quickly or emotionally without meaning to.
What can help
Create a sensory toolkit. This could include noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, or a quiet retreat space. Preparing in advance can reduce reactive stress.
When someone has ADHD and Autism, but only one is identified, support may not fully meet their needs. For example, ADHD strategies alone may ignore sensory sensitivities, or Autism-focused support may not address impulsivity or attention difficulties.
Research shows that people with both conditions often experience greater difficulties in areas such as social interaction and emotional regulation.
If you’ve always felt like you don’t quite fit into either ADHD or Autism alone, this may be the reason.
Getting the right assessment can be a turning point, helping you better understand how your brain works and what support will actually help.
About The ADHD Centre
At The ADHD Centre, we offer combined ADHD and Autism assessments, as well as Autism-only assessments, as part of our development into a dedicated neurodiversity hub. We also work with educational settings and employers, offering training to help better support students and employees with ADHD, autism, or both.
If you’re exploring whether you might have one or both conditions, or looking to support someone who does, we’re here to help.
We offer a broad range of assessments and support to reflect how often ADHD co-occurs with other neurodivergences. Alongside ADHD assessments and treatment, we provide services for autism, special learning difficulties such as Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, alongside our coaching services designed specifically for people with ADHD and co-occurring conditions.
Our specialist consultant psychiatrists and coaches provide evidence-based services, including ADHD diagnosis, medication management, coaching, mindfulness training, and educational support.
We offer:
- ADHD enhanced and autism assessments
- Dyslexia and Dyspraxia assessments
- Workplace Needs Assessment (WPA)
- Coaching in the corporate space
- Free online workshops and webinars. Past events included "Supporting Neurodiversity in Schools" and "Navigating Neurodiversity at University".
For more information about our services, please visit our website at www.adhdcentre.co.uk
Our highly experienced team is on hand to provide expert insight, advice, support, and guidance on ADHD, including how to manage it effectively and address its challenges.
Book an ADHD assessment HERE
For more information on how we could help you: Call: 0800 061 4276
Email: enquiries@adhdcentre.co.uk
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