# What's the difference between autism and ADHD, and can a child have both? > How autism and ADHD overlap, how they differ, what "AuDHD" means, and how to ask for the right evaluation. URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/autism-vs-adhd By The Autism Kit team · Reviewed by [BCBA NAME], BCBA · Updated 2026-09-27 **Short answer:** Autism and ADHD are different conditions that often overlap. Autism mainly affects social communication and comes with routines, intense interests and sensory differences; ADHD mainly affects attention, activity level and impulse control. Since 2013, doctors can diagnose both in the same child, and many kids do have both. People sometimes call that combination "AuDHD." **Key takeaways** - 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.[3][4] ## 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] **What is AuDHD?.** "AuDHD" is an informal term for having both autism and ADHD. It isn't an official diagnosis, but it's widely used by families and autistic adults. ## 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](https://theautismkit.com/guides/visual-schedule-morning-routine) 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? 1. **Describe specific examples** of attention, routines, social play and sensory reactions. 2. **Ask directly:** "Can the evaluation look at both autism and ADHD?" 3. **Share school observations.** Teachers see how your child handles groups and transitions. 4. **Ask about other causes too**, like anxiety, hearing, sleep or learning differences, which can look similar. **Talk to your doctor if....** attention, behavior or social difficulties are affecting your child's learning, friendships or safety, or you're unsure which support to start with. Free printable: [Free printable: appointment notes](https://theautismkit.com/printables/appointment-notes.pdf) ## What helps at home for both? - [ ] Use pictures to show the plan for the day - [ ] Break tasks into short steps with a clear finish - [ ] Give a warning before transitions - [ ] Build in movement breaks For more on the process, read [How is autism diagnosed in children?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/how-is-autism-diagnosed), or take the [2-minute quiz](https://theautismkit.com/start) for one plan to try this week. ## Common questions ### Is ADHD a type of autism? No. ADHD and autism are separate conditions with different diagnostic criteria. They often happen together, which is why they can be confused. ### What does AuDHD mean? AuDHD is an informal word for having both autism and ADHD. It isn't an official diagnosis, but many families and autistic adults use it. ### Which should be evaluated first? Ask for an evaluation that looks at both. A clinician experienced with both conditions can tell which signs fit which, and whether a child has one or both. ## Sources 1. American Psychiatric Association: Highlights of changes from DSM-IV-TR to DSM-5 (autism and ADHD may be diagnosed together). https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Practice/DSM/APA_DSM_Changes_from_DSM-IV-TR_-to_DSM-5.pdf 2. Guidance for identification and treatment of individuals with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder based upon expert consensus (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7247165/ 3. National Institute of Mental Health: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd 4. American Psychiatric Association: What is autism spectrum disorder? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/autism/what-is-autism-spectrum-disorder General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.