Seeking an autism assessment was the culmination of a long process for me. Countless experiences since childhood of wondering why I didn’t quite fit, and distress that didn’t seem relatable to others led me into an ongoing journey of self-compassion and self-understanding, with the recognition that we all have unique needs, personalities and ways of navigating the world.1
Even so, discovering more about autism and realising that there is a community of people who share many of the isolating experiences I've had, and then eventually having a clinical psychologist confirm that the experiences I described align with an autism diagnosis, was hugely validating.
But what was surprising to learn in this assessment process was that many of the traits we’d discussed, particularly relating to executive function, suggested that I likely also had ADHD.
Neurodiversity and Executive Function
To describe what is meant by executive function, think of all the mental processes and skills that are needed to carry out a task:
planning the task
motivation to get started
short term memory
staying focused
maintaining self-control
adjusting to changes
Both Autism and ADHD are considered neurological variations that can affect executive function in various ways. Over the last couple of years, I’d accepted that some of the challenges I have relating to executive function were related to being autistic. What I hadn't realised was that my constant need for input or action, coupled with my difficulty in maintaining focus on less stimulating tasks (while becoming super absorbed in things I find more interesting), and the impact of these tendencies on my memory, motivation, and time management, are traits commonly associated with ADHD.
They also seemed to stand in contrast to some autistic characteristics I identified with, like my inclination for systematic thinking, the desire for routine and consistency, and my appreciation for quiet time alone with my thoughts.
As it turns out, these apparent contradictions are not as uncommon as they might seem. In fact, research indicates that somewhere between 50-70% of people diagnosed with autism also meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, with strong genetic connections between the two. So, while my exploration of neurodiversity over the past couple of years has touched on ADHD, this revelation has prompted me to delve much deeper in my learning journey.
Diving into ADHD
ADHD, an acronym for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, may sound like it describes an inability to pay attention, but it's actually more about the challenges associated with regulating attention. And no, it doesn’t just affect young boys. Much like autism, the diagnosis is based on the prevalence of observable traits, which encompass restlessness, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and difficulties with maintaining focus or becoming hyperfocused. While some people with ADHD exhibit more of the impulsivity and hyperactivity traits, which might especially stand out in a classroom setting during childhood, difficulties with regulating attention is the more dominant (yet often overlooked) trait in others.
Medications prescribed for ADHD primarily aim to raise the levels of specific neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, namely dopamine and norepinephrine. For many people with ADHD, these medications can significantly improve focus, reduce hyperactivity, and control impulsivity while taking them.
The effectiveness of these medications suggests that there are differences in how receptive the brains of people with ADHD are to these specific neurotransmitters. Which likely explains the need to engage in activities that stimulate higher levels of production of these chemicals, in order to get information flowing along the major networks in the frontal lobe of the brain.
It's important to note that medication isn't the only approach to managing ADHD, and it may not be suitable for everyone due to potential side effects. It's also essential to recognise that while medication can be a valuable tool, it doesn't replace the need to develop essential executive function skills and strategies.
While lots of people can identify and leverage strengths that are inextricably linked with their ADHD, living with a brain that operates differently often means grappling with the world's expectations and wondering why seemingly straightforward tasks are challenging.2 Though they’re not direct traits, people with ADHD commonly struggle with rejection sensitivity, emotional regulation, and managing intrusive thoughts. Additionally, ADHD is linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and the potential for addiction.
Unfortunately, as is the case for autistic people, support often falls short, as it tends to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach that overlooks the specific needs and challenges associated with ADHD.
AuDHD
In my own life, I haven't found executive functioning issues to be my biggest challenges, and medication isn’t something I'm considering right now. I've been fortunate to have a great support system, namely my husband, who complements my deficits with his strengths, from taking the lead on home admin to getting the family out the door on time. Over the years, I've developed (and continue to develop) strategies to help me get shit done. Surprisingly, the seemingly contradictory traits often associated with autism seem to have made it easier for me to establish routines and systems, both at home and in the workplace, that work well for me.
When it comes to identifying the specific processes within my own brain, delving into whether it's autistic wiring or ADHD wiring influencing each trait and tendency doesn't seem particularly useful. And overthinking it too much makes my brain feel like it might just explode. But perhaps the AuDHD (autistic + ADHD) label can add a bit more specificity for describing my flavour of neuro-spicyness.
What I just keep coming back to, and what forms the foundation of my passion for embracing neurodiversity, is the recognition that our world often wrongly assumes a single, "normal" brain function. Yet, a significant portion of our population doesn't neatly fit into this presumed "normal" category. I find myself becoming defensive whenever I encounter statistics or research data promoting "best practices" or generalised approaches, as these so often overlook those of us who don't fit the broader trends shown in that data.
So I’ll just keep beating this drum: it is SO important that we acknowledge that this diversity is everywhere, and adjust our expectations and environments to become more adaptable, compassionate, and understanding, catering to individual needs within our neurodiverse communities.