ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
What It Is
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention regulation, impulse control, and activity level. It comes in inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentations. In autism, ADHD adds layers of executive function difficulty, emotional dysregulation, and working memory challenges.
How It Presents in Autistic People
In autistic people, ADHD may present as hyperfocus on special interests alongside inability to attend to non-preferred tasks, significant time blindness, emotional dysregulation that exceeds typical autism meltdowns, impulsive communication, and executive function difficulties more pronounced than autism alone would explain.
Treatment and Support
Stimulant medications (methylphenidate, amphetamines) are effective for many people with AuDHD. Response may differ from non-autistic people with ADHD. Behavioral strategies, executive function coaching, and environmental modifications support daily functioning. Sensory considerations affect medication tolerance.