- Autism and ADHD are different, but they often happen together. - A child can be diagnosed with both. Before 2013 doctors couldn't; now they can. - The overlap: both can involve trouble with attention, emotions and friendships, but for different reasons. - Ask for an evaluation that considers both.
How are autism and ADHD different?
Both affect how a child pays attention, handles feelings and gets along with others. The why is often different.2
| More typical of autism | More typical of ADHD | |
|---|---|---|
| Attention | Deep focus on a favorite interest; hard to shift away | Hard to stay focused, especially on less interesting tasks |
| Routines | Needs sameness; changes can be very upsetting | Craves new things; routines are hard to stick to |
| Social | Finds it hard to read social cues or join back-and-forth play | Understands cues but interrupts or acts before thinking |
| Movement | Repeated movements like flapping or rocking, often to self-soothe | Fidgety, restless, always on the go |
| Senses | Strong reactions to sounds, textures, lights or tastes are common | Can seek stimulation; sensory differences are less central |
These are patterns, not rules. Many children fit parts of both columns.34
Can a child have both autism and ADHD?
Yes. Until 2013, autism ruled out an ADHD diagnosis. The DSM-5 changed that, so children can now be diagnosed with both.1
Having both is common. Many autistic children also have ADHD, and signs of one can hide the other. For example, a child diagnosed with ADHD early may not be evaluated for autism until later.2
Why does it matter which one, or both?
Support can look different:
- For autism, kids often benefit from predictable routines, visual supports, help with communication and social understanding, and sensory adjustments.
- For ADHD, kids often benefit from help with organization and focus, behavior strategies, and sometimes medication prescribed by a doctor.
- For both, a mix: for example, a visual schedule for predictability plus short, movement-friendly tasks for focus.
Knowing the full picture helps your team choose what fits.
How do I ask for the right evaluation?
- Describe specific examples of attention, routines, social play and sensory reactions.
- Ask directly: "Can the evaluation look at both autism and ADHD?"
- Share school observations. Teachers see how your child handles groups and transitions.
- Ask about other causes too, like anxiety, hearing, sleep or learning differences, which can look similar.
Free printable: appointment notesPDF · 2 pages · what you've noticed, plus questions to ask
Download Free printable: appointment notesWhat helps at home for both?
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For more on the process, read How is autism diagnosed in children?, or take the 2-minute quiz for one plan to try this week.