ADHD vs. Autism: Key Differences, Overlapping Traits, and How to Get the Right Diagnosis
If you’ve ever had someone say, “Are you sure you aren’t on the spectrum?” when you tell them you are ADHD, you’re not alone. The overlap between ADHD and autism confuses a lot of people—including doctors, therapists, and sometimes even ourselves.
But while there are commonalities, they’re fundamentally different neurotypes. ADHD is a dopamine regulation disorder that affects focus, motivation, and impulse control, whereas autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects social communication, sensory processing, and cognition. The confusion happens because both share traits like masking, sensory overload, and burnout—but the why behind these experiences is different.
Yet, getting a clear, accurate diagnosis can feel impossible. The healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and biased—particularly for women and BIPOC individuals. Let’s break down why ADHD can look autistic and how to find the right diagnosis, backed by research and expert insights.
Why Signs ADHDers Might Seem Autistic—But Aren’t
1. Social Exhaustion: Not Social Anxiety, Just Overstimulation
ADHDers aren’t necessarily introverts—we just get wrecked by social overstimulation.
We pick up on way too much at once—background noise, facial expressions, side conversations, and our own thoughts competing for attention.
We can be wildly engaging one moment and completely shut down the next.
Unlike autistic people, who may find social interactions fundamentally confusing, ADHDers usually understand them—but our brains run out of fuel mid-conversation.
A 2020 study found that while 50-70% of autistic people struggle with social cognition, ADHDers tend to experience inconsistencies in social energy due to executive function deficits (source).
2. Masking: The ADHD “Chameleon” vs. The Autistic Social Strategist
Both ADHDers and autistic folks mask, but for different reasons:
Autistic masking is about studying and replicating social norms that don’t come naturally. This includes things like forcing eye contact or scripting conversations (source).
ADHD masking is about overcompensating for impulsivity, blurting, or feeling like we’re “too much.” We constantly tweak our behavior to avoid criticism or rejection.
A study in Frontiers in Psychology noted that ADHDers mask primarily due to Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), whereas autistic people mask due to fundamental social processing differences (source).
3. Sensory Sensitivities: ADHDers Are Wildly Inconsistent
Autistic people often have a predictable sensory profile: they may have consistent aversions to certain textures, lights, or sounds.
ADHDers? We’re a bit like gremlins.
One day, we don’t notice the loud music; the next, we can’t function because of a ticking clock.
We crave sensory input when bored (blasting music, fidgeting) but get overwhelmed when already overstimulated.
Our sensory needs shift based on mood, energy levels, and our ever-chaotic dopamine system.
According to a 2021 study, over 60% of ADHDers report sensory processing issues, but these are inconsistent and more related to emotional regulation than sensory perception (source).
4. Trauma, Rejection Sensitivity, and Social Anxiety: The Hidden ADHD Struggle
Many ADHDers have unresolved trauma, which can lead to social withdrawal, burnout, and extreme sensitivity to rejection.
If we’ve been constantly criticized for “being too much,” we start overanalyzing social interactions (which can look like autistic social struggles).
If we’ve been bullied, we might develop avoidance behaviors that resemble social anxiety or autistic shutdowns.
If we’ve experienced chronic rejection, we may cling to routines and structure for emotional safety—not because of an innate need for sameness, but because we’re managing anxiety.
Studies show that people with ADHD have a 62% higher likelihood of experiencing childhood trauma, which can lead to traits that mimic autism (source).
5. Perfectionism & Hyperfocus: The ADHD “Obsessiveness” That Isn’t Autism
ADHDers can get trapped in perfectionism spirals, which sometimes resemble autistic special interests.
RSD (Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria) makes us terrified of getting things “wrong,” so we overdo it.
Hyperfocus locks us into projects for hours—even when they’re not important.
Time blindness means we don’t know how to stop tweaking things.
Unlike autistic individuals, who tend to have deep, structured knowledge of specific topics, ADHDers hyperfixate impulsively and then burn out. A 2019 study showed that ADHD hyperfocus is often stress-induced, whereas autistic deep focus is linked to intrinsic motivation (source). Of course, you can be both profiles and experience both things…
Challenges in Getting the Right Diagnosis
Diagnosing ADHD or autism in adults is a mess. It’s expensive, inaccessible, and often biased toward white men.
Securing an accurate diagnosis for ADHD or autism, especially in adults, can be akin to finding a needle in a haystack. Misdiagnosis is alarmingly common, particularly among women. Nearly 80% of women with autism are misdiagnosed, often with conditions like borderline personality disorder or anxiety.
Challenges in Diagnosis:
Symptom Overlap: Shared traits between ADHD and autism can lead to diagnostic ambiguity.
Gender Bias: Diagnostic criteria historically based on male presentations can overlook or misinterpret symptoms in women.
Comorbidities: The presence of additional conditions can cloud the diagnostic picture
Steps To Get the Right Diagnosis
1. Know What You’re Looking For
Before seeking a diagnosis, get clear on what symptoms actually impact your daily life. Ask yourself:
✅ Do I struggle more with focus, impulsivity, and time management? (ADHD checklist)
✅ Do I struggle more with sensory regulation, social communication, and routines? (Autism traits list)
✅ Am I dealing with trauma responses that mimic neurodivergence?
2. Find a Specialist Who Actually Knows Adult ADHD & Autism
Most general practitioners suck at diagnosing neurodivergence, especially in women, BIPOC, and adults.
Look for:
✅ Neurodivergent specialists (psychologists or psychiatrists trained in ADHD/autism)
✅ Clinicians familiar with late-diagnosed adults
✅ Providers who assess trauma alongside neurodivergence
If the first doctor dismisses you? Find another one. You are not imagining your struggles.
3. Consider a “Working Diagnosis” for Accommodations
Many people need an official diagnosis to access workplace or school accommodations.
If that’s your situation:
✅ A coach who specializes in neurodiversity who can help you understand your unique needs
✅ A therapist or general practitioner can sometimes provide documentation for ADHD accommodations.
✅ Some doctors will diagnose based on a few sessions + self-reporting, even without full neuro-psych testing.
If cost is a barrier, some online testing services offer affordable ADHD assessments (check here).
Ask coaches about sliding scale options and check out your EAP through your workplace (if you have that benefit).
Final Thoughts: Why Education & Self Advocacy Are Critical
Navigating the overlap between ADHD and autism requires more than just awareness—it demands self-education and strong advocacy. By understanding the shared traits and key differences, you can better articulate your experiences, pursue an accurate diagnosis, and access the support you deserve. A diagnosis isn’t about fitting into a label; it’s about unlocking the right tools, accommodations, and resources to help you thrive.
Whether you’re ADHD, autistic, or somewhere in between, your challenges are valid, and your needs matter. The more you understand your neurotype, the more empowered you’ll be to advocate for yourself in medical, educational, and workplace settings.
If a doctor dismisses your struggles? Keep pushing. Find a new one. You are your best advocate.