AuADHD: When Autism and ADHD Co-Exist
We’ve covered neurodivergent mental health diagnoses, ADHD, and Autism as they relate to EEG and Neurofeedback. However, did you know that these two conditions often occur together? AuADHD, short for Autistic ADHD, is the dual diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. A person with AuADHD meets the diagnostic criteria for both conditions, meaning the signs and symptoms of each must be assessed independently and in full.
A study published by Antshel et al. (2016) found that around 50 to 70 percent of individuals with Autism also exhibit clinically significant symptoms of ADHD, making this overlap far more common than many realize.
How Autism is Diagnosed
Because Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder, it is often diagnosed by a physician such as a pediatrician, neurologist, or developmental specialist. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the more support and intervention can be provided during critical developmental windows.
Since Autism cannot be identified through a simple lab test, diagnosis typically involves a combination of developmental screenings, behavioral observations, standardized assessments, and caregiver interviews. A diagnosis usually depends on whether the individual shows persistent difficulties in social interaction and communication, along with restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities.
Understanding ADHD
ADHD is also a neurodevelopmental condition, but it is characterized primarily by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. It is typically broken down into three subtypes: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentation.
Inattentive symptoms may include difficulty sustaining focus, disorganization, forgetfulness, and being easily distracted. Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms may manifest as excessive movement, interrupting others, acting without thinking, or struggling to wait one's turn. Emotional dysregulation is another common aspect of ADHD, often showing up as mood swings, sensory overload, or low frustration tolerance.
Where the Two Conditions Overlap
The overlap between ADHD and Autism can show up in a variety of ways, like executive dysfunction, sensory sensitivities, and emotional overload (Craig et al., 2020). Shared traits might include hyperfocus, sensory under- or overstimulation, a craving for novelty while needing structure, emotional shutdown, cognitive inflexibility, and difficulty regulating impulses and reactions.
These similarities can lead to behaviors that look the same on the surface, even if the root causes differ. For example, a child with ADHD might interrupt due to impulsivity, while an autistic child might interrupt because of challenges with social timing or reading cues. The exact pattern and intensity of these traits can vary depending on whether someone has ADHD, Autism, or both.
Often, only one condition is diagnosed, while the other is overlooked. This can shape how someone seeks out support and receives care throughout their development, making it harder to learn how to navigate their environment and cope with the challenges that come with this kind of comorbidity.
How North Austin Neurofeedback Supports AuADHD
At North Austin Neurofeedback, we understand the complexity of co-occurring Autism and ADHD and approach each case with careful consideration. These conditions often present similarly on a QEEG brain map, especially in Delta and Theta wave patterns, making it difficult to distinguish between them without additional context.
That’s why we combine brain mapping with detailed intake forms and symptom questionnaires to get a comprehensive clinical picture. This allows our team to tailor neurofeedback protocols to each individual’s unique needs.
Additionally, we offer psychotherapy and case management sessions to track progress, adjust protocols, and personalize your treatment plan to support your goals. An integrated, individualized approach is especially important for those with co-occurring ADHD and Autism. A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience emphasizes the importance of treatment that addresses both attention regulation and social communication (Leitner, 2014).
Neurofeedback offers a personalized, medication-free approach to support your needs by addressing underlying brainwave dysregulations specific to your unique brain map.
We invite you to begin with a QEEG brain scan and schedule a free consultation. We're here to support you on your journey.
References:
Antshel, K. M., Zhang-James, Y., & Faraone, S. V. (2013). The comorbidity of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 13(10), 1117–1128. https://doi.org/10.1586/14737175.2013.840417
Craig, F., Margari, F., Legrottaglie, A. R., Palumbi, R., de Giambattista, C., & Margari, L. (2016). A review of executive function deficits in autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 12, 1191–1202. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S104620
Leitner Y. (2014). The co-occurrence of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children - what do we know?. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 8, 268. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00268
