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Understanding the overlap of autism and ADHD
Masking makes dual diagnoses difficult for adults
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Friday 3rd April 2026 |
Scientific understanding of the co-occurrence of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is evolving as researchers examine how these conditions interact.
Many adults who identify with both conditions, sometimes referred to as AuDHD, often wait longer for an accurate diagnosis because the symptoms of one can mask the other.
For example, the high need for structure in autism might conflict with the impulsivity found in ADHD, leading to internal distress that is not always visible to observers.
Research suggests that women and girls are particularly likely to be missed by traditional diagnostic criteria due to their ability to socially mask their struggles.
Specialists now emphasize that one condition may become more prominent when the other is managed, requiring a more nuanced approach to clinical support.
Developing better diagnostic tools that account for this overlap is essential for providing effective interventions and improving the mental health of neurodivergent people.
This shift in perspective acknowledges that neurodiversity is complex and that individuals may require tailored strategies that address multiple aspects of their cognitive profile simultaneously to thrive in neurotypical environments.
Better awareness helps reduce the stigma associated with dual diagnoses.
Source: National Geographic (United States)
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/health/article/
Further reading, listening and viewing...
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