Increased use of gestures when autism and ADHD co-occur: insights from research
30 March 2024 | For Parents & Caregivers, For Teacher & Educators, Research
Autism or ADHD [attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder]? Or perhaps both? A third of autistic children and adolescents will eventually receive a dual diagnosis, but usually not until they are older. This represents a missed opportunity for support.
Autistic young people often have social communication difficulties. However, a recent study by Swedish researchers, identified that those with dual diagnosis (Autism and ADHD), use more gestures in their communication. These gestures included things like nodding, pointing and shaking their head when describing a topic or situation, and body language to convey emotions and feelings.
These insights may give clues for when a dual diagnosis is likely and in turn help children, and those who care for them, to better understand their strengths and difficulties.
A diagnostic challenge
It can be challenging to diagnose co-occurring ADHD in autistic young people because they show opposite characteristics in some respects. For example, the tendency to stick to routines in autism vs impulsivity in ADHD.
Furthermore, when a child has low social attention due to autism, it can be difficult to detect the inattention caused by ADHD. Similarly, difficulties in emotional volatility in ADHD can combine with difficulty in processing emotions in autism.
Comparison to previous research
Researchers have found that autistic young people (with or without an ADHD diagnosis), had very similar patterns of restricted and repetitive behaviours. They also experienced similar difficulties with communication and social interaction.
However, some research suggests there may be subtle differences in communication and social interaction skills for those with co-occuring ADHD. More research will be required to fully understand and disentangle these differences.
A better understanding of the dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD is urgently needed, so that children can better understand themselves and the adults around them can work with them to identify appropriate supports that can be put in place.
EPIC Think Learn offers a transdiagnostic approach, that does not rely on diagnosis. Instead, we encourage parents and teachers to meet the child where they currently are. Through psychoeducation, we help children to better understand how their brain works and how their thinking skills can be supported.
About this research
This study was carried out by a multi-disciplinary team made up of psychologists and child psychiatrists. They worked with 112 children and adolescents and matched them according to age, gender, and intelligence to minimise their differences. The data was collected over a 3-year period and measured using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, a standardised tool used by some school systems and independent clinicians to screen for autism. It is a semi-structured test that focuses on current behaviour and skills and can be used for individuals at varying developmental levels and ages.
Symptom similarities and differences in social interaction between autistic children and adolescents with and without ADHD, Veronica Jones Piltz, Linda Halldner, Jansson-Fröjmark Markus, Anna Fridell, Sven Bölte, Nora Choque Olsson Current Psychology, 1-11, 2023
Symptom similarities and differences in social interaction between autistic children and adolescents with and without ADHD | Current Psychology.
