The question of whether someone can be diagnosed with both autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – a concept increasingly referred to as AuDHD – is gaining attention among clinicians and those seeking answers to complex neurodevelopmental presentations. For years, the diagnostic criteria and prevailing understanding often led to one diagnosis overshadowing the other, or individuals being misdiagnosed with conditions like anxiety or depression. However, growing research and increased awareness are challenging that paradigm, revealing that co-occurrence is not only possible but potentially quite common. Understanding AuDHD is crucial for appropriate support, intervention, and improved quality of life for those affected.
Determining the precise prevalence of AuDHD remains a challenge. Part of the difficulty lies in how comorbidity – the simultaneous presence of two or more conditions – is measured. Some studies examine shared traits, whereas others focus solely on formal dual diagnoses, leading to significant variations in reported rates. A 2023 review published in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that the prevalence of ADHD symptoms ranged from 2.6% to 95.5% in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Meanwhile, a longitudinal study published in 2025 in the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, following 165 adults with ADHD, revealed that 44.8% exhibited autistic traits.
How Common is a Formal AuDHD Diagnosis?
Despite the high rates of overlapping traits, formal co-diagnosis appears less frequent. An analysis of 1.9 million U.S. Health insurance claims in 2025 showed that only 1.7% of adults diagnosed with ADHD as well had a concurrent autism diagnosis. Researchers suggest this discrepancy “may indicate potential underdiagnosis and warrants further investigation.” This suggests many individuals may exhibit traits of both conditions without meeting the full diagnostic criteria for both.
“There are valid criticisms of this categorical system where you either have a disorder or you don’t,” says Dr. Carrasco, a clinical psychologist specializing in neurodevelopmental conditions. She also believes that, given the relatively recent changes to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 2013, healthcare providers are still fully integrating AuDHD assessment protocols. “Many doctors are trained to figure out what the primary problem is, so they may not see the demand for an additional diagnostic label.”
Why Diagnosis Can Be Delayed or Missed
Both autism and ADHD are known to be underdiagnosed, making it difficult to identify symptoms, particularly when they are masked or camouflaged. “Especially in the case of women and girls, the reason they are overlooked or misdiagnosed is that they can be more skilled at masking symptoms or knowing what the ‘right’ way to behave and act is,” explains Langan, a specialist in adult ADHD and autism. “What you often see is people presenting to mental health services with diagnoses of mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and that may be a result of living with undiagnosed neurodiversity.”
symptoms of one condition can obscure those of the other, according to Cira, a researcher focused on neurodevelopmental differences. “People who have both conditions often wait longer to get a diagnosis because autism can mask some aspects of ADHD, and ADHD can alter some aspects of autism.” one condition may become more apparent when the other is mitigated. Langan elaborates, “If you treat the ADHD, a person might become calmer, and then you might notice more of the autistic traits starting to emerge.”
Understanding the Overlap in Symptoms
The overlap in symptoms between autism and ADHD can be significant, contributing to diagnostic challenges. Both conditions can manifest as difficulties with executive function – skills like planning, organization, and time management. Impulsivity, a hallmark of ADHD, can sometimes be misinterpreted as a lack of social understanding, a characteristic associated with autism. Similarly, intense interests, common in autism, can resemble the hyperfocus sometimes seen in ADHD. However, the *reasons* behind these behaviors often differ. For example, an autistic individual’s intense interest might stem from a deep, focused passion, while someone with ADHD might hyperfocus due to the novelty or stimulation the activity provides.
The interplay between these conditions can also create unique challenges. For instance, sensory sensitivities, common in autism, can exacerbate the distractibility associated with ADHD. Conversely, the restlessness and impulsivity of ADHD can craft it harder for autistic individuals to manage social situations, leading to increased anxiety and potential meltdowns.
What Does This Mean for Treatment?
Recognizing AuDHD is crucial for tailoring effective treatment plans. A one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to be successful. Traditional ADHD treatments, such as stimulant medication, may help manage inattention and impulsivity, but they may not address the underlying social communication difficulties or sensory sensitivities associated with autism. Similarly, therapies focused solely on social skills may not be effective if the individual is struggling with attentional issues that prevent them from fully engaging in the process.
Integrated approaches that address both sets of challenges are often most beneficial. This might involve a combination of behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medication, as appropriate. Crucially, treatment should be individualized and focus on building strengths and coping mechanisms, rather than solely attempting to “fix” deficits. Self-advocacy and understanding one’s own neurotype are also essential components of a successful approach.
As awareness of AuDHD grows, so too does the need for increased training for healthcare professionals. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate support require a nuanced understanding of both conditions and the complex ways in which they can interact. For individuals suspecting they might have AuDHD, seeking evaluation from a clinician experienced in both autism and ADHD is a vital first step.
The evolving understanding of AuDHD highlights the limitations of rigid diagnostic categories and underscores the importance of recognizing neurodiversity. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the prevalence, underlying mechanisms, and optimal treatment strategies for this increasingly recognized co-occurrence. The next key step will be the release of updated diagnostic guidelines reflecting this growing body of knowledge, expected in the coming years.
Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with AuDHD? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. And please, share this article to help raise awareness and understanding of this complex and often overlooked condition.
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