ADHD and Autism: What Dual Diagnosis Really Looks Like

June 5, 2025

Dr. Sharon Gainforth* | NeuroAI Team

For many families, receiving one diagnosis—whether ADHD or autism—can be overwhelming. But when both diagnoses are present, it can feel like entering a world with even more questions and fewer clear answers. Yet dual diagnosis is more common than many realize.

In fact, studies suggest that up to 50–70% of individuals with autism also have symptoms of ADHD. So what does it really look like when someone has both?

Understanding the Overlap

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD) are distinct neurodevelopmental conditions. However, they can share some overlapping traits—like difficulty with attention, impulsivity, or challenges in social settings. This overlap can sometimes make it tricky to recognize when both are present.

For example, a child with autism might seem inattentive because they’re overwhelmed by sensory input or not engaged in typical social cues. A child with ADHD might struggle to focus or follow instructions—not because they don’t understand, but because their attention jumps quickly between things. When both conditions are present, these difficulties can stack, making support more complex but also more essential.

What Dual Diagnosis Might Look Like

A child with both ADHD and autism may:

Struggle with focus and have a hard time shifting between tasks.
Interrupt or speak out of turn, not just impulsively (as in ADHD), but also due to challenges reading social cues (as in autism).
Be constantly on the go or display high activity levels—common in ADHD—but become distressed when routines change, which is more typical in autism.
Have intense interests, sometimes mistaken for hyperfocus, that are deeply specific and long-lasting.
Need support both with regulating emotions (common in ADHD) and understanding unspoken social rules (common in autism).

Why Getting the Right Diagnosis Matters

Dual diagnosis isn’t about labeling—it’s about understanding. Each child’s brain works in a unique way, and recognizing both ADHD and autism can help caregivers, educators, and clinicians tailor supports that meet the child where they are. An ADHD-only approach might emphasize behavior management and focus-building, while autism support often includes communication strategies and sensory accommodations.

When both conditions are present, a blended approach is most effective.

Supporting a Child with Dual Diagnosis

If your child has—or may have—both ADHD and autism, you’re not alone. Support starts with understanding their individual profile, not just the labels. You might find that:

Structured routines help ease transitions and reduce stress.
Visual supports and checklists assist with focus and independence.
Movement breaks and sensory tools can help with regulation.
Social stories and role-playing build understanding of social situations.

Above all, listen to your child. Their behavior is communication, and understanding both diagnoses can help you interpret that message with greater clarity and compassion.

>> Have questions or insights? We’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to share your comments or reach out to continue the conversation.

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* Dr. Sharon Gainforth is a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 35 years of expertise as a subject matter expert on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She is also the Chief Business Development Officer, Chief Content Officer and Co-Founder of NeuroAI.