Dr. Sharon Gainforth* | NeuroAI Team
Imagine this: Your child finally receives an autism diagnosis. Relief washes over you—there’s a name for what you’ve noticed. But just as quickly, more questions pop up. Why does my child still struggle to sit still? Why can’t they seem to finish tasks they enjoy? Why do social skills groups feel like a flop?
For many families, the answer is this: autism isn’t the only piece of the puzzle. A significant number of autistic children also have ADHD. And when ADHD goes unnoticed, kids can miss out on the kind of support that helps them thrive.
Autism and ADHD: When the Lines Blur
Autism and ADHD share a lot of traits:
- Trouble focusing
- Impulsivity or acting without thinking
- Struggles in social situations
- Feeling overwhelmed by environments
Because of this overlap, it’s easy to assume “that’s just autism.” But sometimes it’s not.
For example:
A child who can’t sit through circle time might actually be dealing with hyperactivity, not sensory overload.
A child who blurts things out may not be “rigid”—they may just struggle with impulse control.
A child who’s bright but constantly falling behind in school may be fighting two battles: one with learning style, one with attention regulation.
Why Getting the Right Diagnosis Matters
Missing ADHD doesn’t just mean missed labels—it means missed opportunities.
- Kids may be given medications that don’t address the real problem (like antipsychotics for ADHD symptoms).
- Therapies for communication and social skills may fall flat because the child can’t focus long enough to benefit.
- Untreated ADHD raises everyday risks—accidental injuries, substance use later on, or constant frustration in school.
Now the flip side:
- When ADHD is recognized alongside autism, treatment gets sharper and more effective.
- Kids can focus better, making language and social therapies actually “stick.”
- Families see real progress instead of exhausting trial and error.
What This Looks Like in Real Life
Picture two scenarios:
Without ADHD treatment: A child spends speech therapy sessions running around the room. The therapist teaches, but the child can’t engage, and progress stalls.
With ADHD treatment: The same child, with strategies (or medication) supporting attention, now stays engaged long enough to practice. Suddenly, new words, social skills, and confidence blossom.
It’s not about changing who the child is. It’s about giving them access to the learning and joy that’s already waiting inside them.
The Bigger Picture: Quality of Life
When ADHD is addressed in autistic children, families often notice:
- Safer choices (less impulsivity, fewer accidents)
- Stronger friendships (because focus helps them “read” social moments)
- Better school experiences (attention supports match learning style)
- More confidence (effort finally leads to success)
As one UC Davis Health study recently pointed out, accurate diagnosis improves a child’s quality of life.
A Parent’s Takeaway
If your autistic child also shows signs of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, don’t be afraid to ask: Could ADHD also be part of the picture?
Two names on a chart don’t define your child—but they do open doors to supports that can transform daily life. Your child deserves strategies that meet them where they are, not where we assume they should be.
Because when we see the whole child, we can finally celebrate the whole child.
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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.