Autism vs ADHD: What’s the Difference?

Autism and ADHD are both neurodevelopmental conditions, and there can be overlap in how they present.

For example, both may involve differences in attention, communication, and behaviour. This can make it difficult to tell them apart at first.

However, the underlying profiles are different.

ADHD is primarily related to attention, impulsivity, and activity levels. Autism is centred around differences in social communication and patterns of thinking or behaviour.

It is also important to recognise that many individuals meet criteria for both autism and ADHD. In these cases, understanding how these profiles interact is more helpful than trying to separate them completely.

A comprehensive assessment considers the full picture, rather than focusing on one set of traits in isolation.

You can explore our Autism pathway here and our ADHD pathway here.

Can someone have both autism and ADHD?

Yes, it is quite common for individuals to meet criteria for both autism and ADHD. A comprehensive assessment considers how these profiles interact.