At Augmentive, clarity is key to taking effective action. If you're wondering about the differences between ADHD and autism, you're not alone. Both are neurodevelopmental conditions that impact thinking, feeling, and behaviour. But they have distinct characteristics. Understanding these differences helps ensure you get the right support.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects attention, activity levels and impulse control. Symptoms typically appear before age 12 and often continue into adulthood. ADHD has three main types:

• Inattentive Type (formerly ADD): Difficulty maintaining focus, forgetfulness, and organisational challenges.
• Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Excessive activity, constant fidgeting, and impulsive behaviour.
• Combined Type: A combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

Common signs include:

• Being easily distracted
• Fidgeting or restlessness
• Interrupting conversations
• Difficulty organising tasks

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition affecting communication, social interactions and sensory processing. It's called a "spectrum" due to the wide range of experiences and challenges people have.

Common signs include:

• Difficulty interpreting others' feelings and thoughts
• Social anxiety
• Preference for routines and discomfort with changes
• Sensitivity to sensory inputs (sounds, lights, textures)
• Highly focused interests

Key Differences Between ADHD and Autism

Dr Khurram Sadiq, Consultant Psychiatrist, explains:

“The conditions are miles apart from each other. Autism centres on order, systems, processes, and routines, whereas ADHD is about a lack of routine, a happy‑go‑lucky approach, and leaving things until the last minute. People with autism often prefer their own company; those with pure ADHD tend to learn to socialise more effectively. When ADHD and autism intertwine, social patterns can shift—there may be times of sociability followed by periods of withdrawal."

Other key distinctions include:

• Attention: ADHD involves difficulty maintaining attention; autism often includes intense focus on specific interests.
• Communication: Autism can affect verbal and non-verbal communication; ADHD typically doesn't.
• Routine and Flexibility: Autism thrives on routine; ADHD seeks novelty.
• Sensory Sensitivities: Sensory issues are more strongly associated with autism.

Dr Sadiq further highlights:

“Autistic individuals develop very deep, focused interests, while people with ADHD pursue interests intensely but move on once the novelty wears off. Autistic people are generally risk‑averse, whereas those with pure ADHD gravitate toward impulsive situations for a dopamine boost. Both groups can be distractible, but for different reasons: in ADHD, stimuli compete for attention; in autism, there's genuine indifference to uninteresting tasks.”

What is AuDHD?

AuDHD describes people who have both ADHD and autism. This overlap is common, up to half of autistic individuals may also meet ADHD criteria. AuDHD individuals experience traits from both conditions, creating unique behavioural patterns. Dr Sadiq, one of our consultant psychiatrists, has both ADHD and autism and talks about his personal experience this fascinating TEDx talk.

Recognising AuDHD helps in creating tailored strategies that effectively address combined needs.

Why an Accurate Diagnosis is Important

Dr Simmi Sachdeva-Mohan, Consultant Psychiatrist, explains:

“Both ADHD and ASD are neurodiverse conditions. ADHD is characterised by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, while ASD is primarily marked by challenges in social communication, sensory difficulties, and restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests.”

Knowing whether someone has ADHD, autism or both empowers tailored support:

• ADHD Strategies: Body-doubling, structured tasks, and "power hours."
• Autism Strategies: Visual schedules, sensory-friendly environments, structured social interactions.

Medical and therapeutic interventions can also be specifically targeted, including ADHD medications and autism therapies like speech and occupational therapy.

How Augmentive Can Support You

Augmentive bridges understanding and action:

• Rapid Diagnosis: Quick, expert assessments delivered by specialist psychiatrists.
• Tailored Treatment Plans: Personalised medication, therapy, coaching, and community support.
• Continuous Support: Regular follow-ups and adjustments tailored to your evolving needs.

Ready to take the next step? Browse our ADHD specialists or schedule a free 15-minute consultation to begin your journey today.

You can also try our free ADHD self-screening tool here, 12 quick questions to help you see how likely it is you have ADHD.

Your mind is limitless—let’s unlock its potential together.