For years, many children have been diagnosed with either ADHD or autism.
But increasingly, parents are realising something important:
It isn’t always either/or.
Sometimes, it’s both.
ADHD and autism frequently overlap. In fact, research now recognises that many children meet criteria for both conditions — often called AuDHD in neurodivergent communities.
The difficulty? When professionals look for one, they sometimes miss the other.
If your child feels “complex,” contradictory, or hard to neatly label — this might be why.
Here are 6 signs your child could be ADHD and autistic.
1. They’re Hyperactive — and Highly Sensitive
They can’t sit still.
They seek stimulation.
They move constantly.
But they’re also overwhelmed by noise, lights, clothing textures, or busy environments.
ADHD can drive the need for stimulation.
Autism can heighten sensory sensitivity.
When both exist, children may look energetic and overstimulated at the same time.
2. They Talk a Lot — But Struggle Socially
They’re chatty, expressive, and full of ideas.
But:
• They misread social cues
• They interrupt without meaning to
• They replay conversations for hours afterwards
• They come home socially exhausted
ADHD can affect impulse control and conversational flow.
Autism can affect social interpretation and processing.
Together, it can create a child who seems confident — but feels confused.
3. They Mask at School — and Crash at Home
At school, teachers say:
“They’re fine.”
But at home:
• Meltdowns
• Shutdowns
• Explosive emotions
• Total exhaustion
Autistic children often mask to fit in.
ADHD children often overcompensate.
Masking both can be incredibly draining.
If your child “holds it together” all day and collapses later, this isn’t bad behaviour — it’s neurological fatigue.
4. They Hyperfocus — Then Can’t Start Anything
One day they’re locked into something for hours.
The next day they can’t start a simple task.
This isn’t laziness.
ADHD can affect executive function and task initiation.
Autism can drive intense special interests and deep focus.
The mix can look inconsistent — but it’s entirely neurological.
5. They Need Structure — But Resist Control
Routine helps them feel safe.
But being told what to do can trigger anxiety, defiance, or shutdown.
ADHD brains struggle with transitions.
Autistic brains struggle with unpredictability.
Add in demand avoidance traits and you have a child who desperately needs structure — but reacts strongly to imposed control.
6. They’ve Been Misunderstood for Years
You’ve heard:
“Too much.”
“Too sensitive.”
“Too intense.”
“Too distracted.”
“Too emotional.”
When in reality, they are navigating two neurotypes at once.
Many AuDHD children are misdiagnosed initially. Some are diagnosed with ADHD first because hyperactivity is more visible. Others are diagnosed autistic while ADHD traits are dismissed as personality.
It’s not uncommon for the second diagnosis to come years later.
Why This Matters
When both are present, support needs to reflect both.
A strategy that works for ADHD alone might not work for autism alone — and vice versa.
For example:
• Reward systems may help ADHD but overwhelm autistic rigidity
• Strict structure may help autism but trigger ADHD frustration
• Sensory accommodations may be essential alongside executive function support
Understanding the full picture changes everything.
What Should Parents Do?
If this resonates:
- Document behaviours across environments
- Speak to your GP about dual assessment
- Request school observations
- Consider a private assessment if waiting lists are long
- Ask specifically about ADHD-autism overlap
In the UK, children can legally hold both diagnoses.
And importantly — they deserve support that recognises both.
If you’re navigating this and feeling unsure, you’re not imagining the complexity.
Some children don’t fit into one neat box.
And that doesn’t mean you’re wrong.
It means their brain works in more than one way.
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