🧠Understanding the Overlap of ADHD and Autism

“He’s very active and doesn’t sit in one place. But he also doesn’t make eye contact or speak much.”
“My daughter is super focused on puzzles but doesn’t respond when I call her name.”
“Is it ADHD… or autism? Or could it be both?”

If you’re a parent asking these questions, you’re not alone. At our child psychiatry clinics in Chennai, we frequently meet children who show traits of both ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). And it’s not just coincidence—these two conditions can overlap.

Let’s break this down in a way that’s easy to understand—and more importantly, helpful for making the next step for your child.

🔍 What’s the Difference Between ADHD and Autism?

🌪 ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

• Difficulty paying attention

• Easily distracted

• Impulsive behavior

• Fidgeting, restlessness

• Often talks a lot, interrupts

🧩 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Difficulty with social interaction and communication

• Delayed or unusual speech patterns

• Repetitive behaviors (hand-flapping, lining up toys)

• Sensory issues (covering ears to sounds, picky eating)

• Prefers routines, may play alone

🤔 Can a Child Have Both Autism and ADHD?

Yes.
Studies show that 30–50% of children with autism also have ADHD, and vice versa.

But here’s the tricky part:

• A child with autism may seem inattentive because they are not socially engaged.

• A child with ADHD may avoid eye contact or interrupt conversations—not because of autism, but due to impulsivity.

That’s why a careful developmental evaluation is important, especially in younger children who are still learning how to interact and express themselves.

🧠 Dual Diagnosis: What It Means

When a child has both ADHD and ASD, it can affect:

• School performance: Difficulty sitting still and understanding social rules

• Friendships: Trouble reading cues + impulsive behavior

• Daily routines: Challenges with flexibility and attention

• Emotional regulation: Outbursts, frustration, or meltdowns

Children with dual diagnosis often need a customized plan that includes:

• Behavioral therapy for ADHD

• Speech and occupational therapy for autism

• Parent training

• Possibly medication (for attention or hyperactivity)

🧪 How We Assess This at Our Chennai Clinics

We use:

• Developmental history and behavioral observation

• Tools like INDT-ASD, M-CHAT-R/F, and Conners ADHD Rating Scale

• Direct play-based interaction

• Parent and teacher feedback

We take a collaborative approach: working closely with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and educators to understand the full picture.

No two children are the same—and neither are their brains.

👨‍👩‍👧 What Can Parents Do?

• Don’t try to self-diagnose or rely on online checklists alone

• Trust your observations—but seek a structured evaluation

• Begin early intervention even if the diagnosis is not fully clear

• Be open to a step-by-step approach—sometimes features become clearer over time

And most importantly: It’s okay if your child doesn’t fit neatly into one box.

📍 Worried Your Child May Have Autism, ADHD, or Both?

Let’s help you find clarity and create a support plan that works for your child. Early guidance can make a lifelong difference.

Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T
Consultant Psychiatrist 
📍 Apollo Clinic, Velachery & Tambaram (Opp. MCC Campus), Chennai
📞 8595155808