Are autism and ADHD the same?

The terms autism and ADHD are often used interchangeably, which can lead to confusion about what each condition entails. This mix-up is understandable; our understanding of neurodivergent conditions, including developmental and spectrum disorders, is still evolving. However, it’s important to recognise that while autism and ADHD can share some similarities, they are distinct diagnoses with different characteristics, needs, and treatment approaches.

In this article, I’ll explore the key differences between autism and ADHD, how they sometimes overlap, and why recognising these nuances is essential.

Let me be clear from the start: neither autism nor ADHD should be considered a mental illness. These are neurodevelopmental conditions, not diseases to be "cured." Individuals with either or both can thrive with the right understanding, tools, and support. Our focus should always be on embracing neurodiversity, not trying to "fix" it.

1. Overview of ADHD and Autism

When exploring the question “Are autism and ADHD the same?”, it's essential to begin with a clear understanding of what each condition involves. Both autism and ADHD are classified as neurodevelopmental conditions, meaning they affect how the brain develops and functions, particularly in areas like communication, behaviour, attention, and sensory processing. Despite some overlapping traits, the core characteristics and diagnostic criteria differ significantly.

What is ADHD?

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts how a person regulates attention, impulsivity, and activity levels. It can make it difficult for individuals to concentrate, stay organised, or remain still, especially in environments that demand prolonged focus.

ADHD is typically divided into two main types: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Each category includes nine specific symptoms, and a person must display at least six from either group (or a combination of both) to meet the diagnostic threshold.

It’s also worth noting that ADHD symptoms can present differently in males and females. Boys are often more likely to display hyperactive behaviours, while girls may lean toward inattentiveness, making their symptoms easier to miss. This has led to a trend of underdiagnosed ADHD in females, something current research is actively working to better understand.

To read more about ADHD specifically in females, read our recent blog: ADHD in Girls: The Invisible Epidemic of Missed Diagnoses

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What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a lifelong neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate, interact socially, and regulate sensory input. Because it is a spectrum condition, autistic individuals can experience a wide range of traits and challenges; some may need substantial support, while others may live independently but still navigate daily life differently from neurotypical peers.

Common features of autism include:

• Difficulty with emotive communication or interpreting tone, body language, and facial expressions

• Challenges in forming or maintaining social relationships

• A strong preference for routine and predictability

• Sensory sensitivities, such as being overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures

To diagnose autism, professionals typically look for signs in two main areas:

1. Communication and social interaction skills

2. Repetitive behaviours, sensory sensitivities, and restricted interests

   
   

ADHD and Autism: Lifelong Neurodivergence

Both ADHD and autism are usually identified in childhood, often around the time a child begins school, when social demands and expectations become more noticeable. However, many individuals are not diagnosed until much later, sometimes well into adulthood, particularly those who learn to “mask” or compensate for their challenges.

Importantly, these conditions are not curable, nor should they be viewed as needing to be "fixed." While symptoms of autism and ADHD can often be managed and supported through therapy, education, and environmental adjustments, they are lifelong neurodivergent identities that shape how a person experiences and navigates the world.

2. How Autism and ADHD Are Different

Although autism and ADHD are both neurodevelopmental conditions and can sometimes appear similar on the surface, they are fundamentally different in terms of core symptoms, behavioural patterns, and how they affect everyday life. The overlap between the two can make diagnosis tricky, especially in individuals who display traits of both. However, understanding the distinctions between them is crucial for developing the right support strategies.

ADHD: Behavioural Impulsivity and Attention Challenges

ADHD is primarily characterised by challenges with attention regulation, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It often manifests through external behaviours, particularly in children, such as interrupting conversations, difficulty sitting still, blurting out answers, and struggling to wait their turn. These types of behaviours can sometimes be misinterpreted as intentional rudeness or defiance, when in fact they are neurological.

Out of the 18 core diagnostic symptoms of ADHD (divided across inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive subtypes), many reflect issues with self-regulation and executive function. It's important to remember that ADHD symptoms can look quite different in females. Where boys may be more outwardly hyperactive, girls with ADHD are often overlooked because their symptoms present as inattention, daydreaming, social withdrawal, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. This subtler expression contributes to the continued underdiagnosis of ADHD in women and girls. Read more about ADHD in females in our recent blog here.

In general, ADHD tends to come across as more “chaotic” or outwardly disruptive compared to autism, with more spontaneous, high-energy behaviours.

Autism: Social Communication and Sensory Processing

By contrast, autism spectrum condition (ASC) is rooted more in challenges with social interaction, non-verbal communication, sensory sensitivities, and repetitive or highly focused interests. While every autistic person is different (hence the term “spectrum”), common autistic traits include:

• Difficulty understanding or using facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language

• Struggling to engage in typical social interactions or build relationships

• A strong preference for routine, structure, and familiarity

• Deep, focused interests in specific topics or objects

• Heightened sensitivity to sounds, textures, smells, or visual stimuli

Unlike ADHD, where impulsivity is common, autistic individuals often lean toward being more reserved or withdrawn. They may appear quiet in group settings, not out of inattentiveness, but due to difficulties with social communication or sensory overwhelm.

Another key difference is focus: individuals with ADHD often struggle to maintain attention, whereas autistic individuals may display intense, sustained attention on topics that interest them deeply.

Core Differences at a Glance

ADHD	Autism
Primarily affects attention and behaviour	Primarily affects social communication and sensory processing
Symptoms include hyperactivity, impulsivity, distractibility	Traits include difficulty with social cues, sensory overload, and restricted interests
Often, more externally visible or disruptive behaviours	Often, more internalised traits anda preference for routine
May appear chaotic or scattered	May appear withdrawn or rigid
Females may present as quiet, anxious, and inattentive	Females may mask symptoms, leading to late diagnosis

In summary, while both conditions can exist together (which we’ll explore next), autism and ADHD are distinct in their neurological patterns. ADHD is more closely tied to impulsivity and executive function, whereas autism is more related to social communication difficulties and sensory regulation.

Understanding these differences is vital for appropriate diagnosis, personalised support, and ensuring that neither condition is misrepresented or misunderstood.

3. Overlapping Symptoms of Autism and ADHD

If you’ve seen a Venn diagram comparing autism and ADHD, you’ll notice just how much these two conditions can have in common. While they are distinct diagnoses, several overlapping symptoms of ADHD and autism can sometimes make it difficult to tell them apart, especially in children or in individuals with subtle presentations.

Shared traits may include:

• Difficulty with focus and attention

• Emotional regulation challenges

• Executive dysfunction (struggling with planning, memory, or task initiation)

• Trouble with social interactions or group environments

This autism and ADHD overlap is part of the reason why so many people are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. It also explains why many individuals end up with a dual diagnosis, living with both conditions simultaneously. While this can add complexity to daily life, it’s also a powerful reminder that neurodivergence is not one-size-fits-all.

It’s crucial to understand that having ADHD or autism does not mean a person is lacking in intelligence, empathy, creativity, or value. Quite the opposite. Many people with autism and ADHD possess remarkable strengths, like unique problem-solving abilities, deep focus on areas of interest, or creative thinking that sees the world in ways others might miss.

The difference lies in how their brains process information, emotion, and interaction, not in their capability or potential.

As a society, our role isn’t to force neurodivergent individuals to "fit in" to a neurotypical mould. Instead, we must work toward creating inclusive, adaptable environments that support diverse learning styles, communication preferences, and sensory needs.

When we prioritise inclusive education, neurodivergent-friendly workspaces, and broader understanding, we empower everyone, not just those with autism or ADHD, to thrive.

4. Treatment Options for Autism and ADHD

As mentioned earlier, it’s important to understand that autism and ADHD are not conditions that can or should be "cured." Trying to "fix" someone’s neurodivergence can not only be harmful but also deeply invalidating to those living with these conditions. Instead, the focus should be on support, accommodation, and managing symptoms in ways that respect the individual’s needs and strengths.

Treatment vs. Support: What That Means

When we talk about treatment options for autism and ADHD, we’re talking about supportive strategies, things that help individuals manage day-to-day challenges, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being. These treatments aren’t about making someone neurotypical; they’re about making life more manageable and fulfilling on their terms.

Structured Support and Planning

One of the most effective ways to support someone with ADHD or autism is by creating structure and predictability. Routines, visual schedules, and clearly defined expectations can be incredibly grounding, especially in educational settings.

For children and teens, parents, teachers, and counsellors must work together to ensure consistency in support strategies. Having everyone “on the same page” helps prevent misunderstandings, reduces stress, and ensures the young person isn’t unfairly penalised for behaviours related to their diagnosis. When students feel seen, supported, and safe, their capacity to learn and grow significantly increases.

Diagnosis and Medical Intervention

Getting a diagnosis is a major step toward access to support, but it’s not always easy. With long waitlists and limited resources in systems like the NHS, many people face years before receiving a formal evaluation. Still, once diagnosed, treatment may include:

• Medication (primarily for ADHD): Stimulant and non-stimulant medications can help with focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity for those who find them helpful.

• Mental health support teams: Post-diagnosis, individuals may be referred to professionals who specialise in neurodevelopmental conditions, helping create a comprehensive care plan tailored to the individual.

It’s important to remember that medication isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and not everyone chooses this route. For many, non-medical tools and therapies can be just as effective in managing symptoms.

Therapy: CBT and Behavioural Approaches

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and behavioural interventions can be especially helpful for individuals with autism or ADHD, particularly when it comes to managing anxiety, improving emotional regulation, and navigating social or academic pressures.

These therapies can provide practical tools for:

• Identifying emotional triggers

• Building coping strategies for stressful situations

• Managing executive dysfunction (like procrastination or emotional overwhelm)

• Improving communication and interpersonal skills

Whether used alongside medication or on its own, therapy offers a supportive space to explore and build resilience around challenges.

Discovery Journal Neurodiverse Edition

The Discovery Journal: A Sensory-Friendly Support Tool

For those navigating the daily realities of autism, ADHD, or both, journaling can be a powerful self-regulation tool. The Discovery Journal Neurodiverse Edition was designed specifically with neurodivergent individuals in mind, incorporating prompts and layouts that help with:

• Sensory overwhelm

• Emotional identification

• Routine building

• Reducing anxiety naturally

The Neurodiverse Edition provides comforting structure, especially during overstimulating or emotionally intense days. The journal’s design focuses on minimising cognitive overload, with sensory-friendly features.

Discovery Journal Neurodiverse Edition

5. Conclusion

Both autism and ADHD are neurodevelopmental conditions that can significantly impact how a person experiences the world, from relationships and education to work and self-esteem. While these two conditions can share overlapping traits, it’s essential to understand their distinct differences to provide appropriate support and reduce the risk of misdiagnosis.

Recognising and embracing neurodiversity means moving away from outdated ideas of “fixing” people and instead focusing on how we can create inclusive environments that honour different ways of thinking, feeling, and communicating.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms related to autism or ADHD, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation. A formal diagnosis can open the door to better understanding, access to support, and a personalised treatment plan that respects the individual’s unique strengths and challenges.

And remember: support tools like the Discovery Journal Neurodiverse Edition are available to help you or your loved one manage sensory overwhelm, reduce anxiety, and build daily routines that feel calming, not chaotic.

Neurodivergence isn’t something to be “overcome”; it’s something to be understood and supported. With awareness, acceptance, and the right tools, individuals with autism, ADHD, or both can thrive in their way.