What happens when these two disorders coexist in the same person?
This article is taken from the book ADHD & ASD in the same person - What's this mess?
Also available in English
Summary :
A short definition of ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests itself through several traits and characteristics, varying in intensity among individuals. Here is a list of the most commonly associated symptoms:
Impulsiveness :
Making hasty decisions without sufficient consideration of the consequences.
Hyperactivity :
Difficulty staying still, constant need to move or talk.
Attention difficulties
Problems concentrating on tasks or activities.
Easily distracted by irrelevant external stimuli.
Difficulty following instructions and completing tasks.
Inattention
Frequent forgetfulness in daily activities.
Difficulty staying on task.
Tendency to lose items needed for tasks or activities.
Organizational problems
Difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
Tendency to start several projects simultaneously without finishing any of them.
Time management
Problems with time perception.
Frequent delays.
Mood fluctuations :
Irritability or sudden and frequent mood changes.
Learning difficulties
Problems following conversations.
Difficulty retaining complex or new information.
Low frustration tolerance :
Excessive emotional reactions and frustration when faced with ordinary challenges.
Social problems
Difficulty maintaining friendly and professional relationships.
Frequent interruption of others or difficulty taking turns to speak.
These traits can vary from person to person and are not always present in all cases of ADHD.
Video explaining hyperactivity, produced by adrien honnons ( adrienhonnons.com ) (hello(at)adrienhonnons.com ), With the support of the ANAE review ( anae-revue.com ) and ANAE formation (hdm(at)anae-formations.com)
Short definition of ASD
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interactions. The manifestations of ASD can vary greatly from person to person, but here is a list of traits or characteristics often associated with ASD:
Difficulties in social communication
Difficulty understanding gestures, intonation, facial expressions, and nonverbal cues.
Difficulty maintaining a conversation, often due to a literal understanding of words.
Atypical use of language, including repetitions of words or phrases (echolalia).
Repetitive behaviors and strict routines
Intense need to follow specific routines or rituals.
Significant distress during changes in routine.
Stereotyped or repetitive movements (such as rocking, tapping).
Narrow and intensive interests
Intense focus on specific interests, often with great expertise in those areas.
Sensory hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity
Extreme reactions to sensory stimuli such as sounds, lights, textures, or temperatures.
Difficulties adapting to change
Difficulty managing transitions or changes in the environment or usual routines.
Difficulties with emotional regulation
Intense or inappropriate emotional reactions to situations.
Difficulty expressing emotions in conventional ways.
Difficulties with social interactions
Difficulty interpreting social cues and responding in socially appropriate ways.
Difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships.
Motor coordination problems
Difficulties with fine and/or gross motor skills.
Perspective taking
Difficulty understanding the thoughts, feelings, or intentions of others, often described as a limited "theory of mind."
Social isolation
Preference for solitary activities, due in part to the difficulty of social interaction.
Contradictory traits (which cause chaos 🤪)
These two disorders have several features that may seem contradictory or divergent when they coexist in a person.
Need for routine vs. Seeking novelty
ASD: Strong need for routines and predictability, difficulty with changes and transitions.
ADHD: Seeking novelty and excitement, often inclined to change activities to avoid boredom.
Hyperactivity vs. Repetitive Behaviors
ADHD: Hyperactivity, difficulty staying still, need for constant movement.
ASD: Engagement in stereotyped or repetitive movements, which may be more structured and self-regulating.
Attention Problems vs. Hyperfocus
ADHD: Difficulty paying attention, difficulty concentrating on tasks for long periods of time, especially if they are deemed boring or unstimulating.
ASD: Ability to hyperfocus, particularly on specific topics of interest, sometimes to the detriment of general awareness of surroundings.
Managing social interactions
ADHD: Tendency to be impulsive in social interactions, which may include interrupting others or failing to recognize social norms.
ASD: Difficulty with the nuances of social interactions, often due to challenges in understanding social and emotional cues.
Sensory reactivity
ADHD: May present with sensory seeking due to a need for stimulation.
ASD: May manifest hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory stimuli, often requiring adaptations to manage sensory overload or deprivation.
These contradictions can make it complex to manage both disorders when they coexist, requiring specific adaptive strategies that take into account the conflicting needs in different situations.
Complementary traits 💪
And yet the coexistence of these two disorders in the same person makes her a super hero:
(I don't know which one to choose, so I put all 3 😅)
The coexistence of some of these traits can interact in ways that enhance a person’s abilities. Here are some examples of how these traits can complement each other and potentially provide unique advantages:
Hyperfocus and specific interests
ADHD brings the ability to hyperfocus under stimulation.
TSA brings deep specific interests.
Synergy : When a person can hyperfocus on their specific interests, it can lead to exceptional expertise or skills in particular areas.
Creativity and unconventional approach
ADHD is often associated with divergent thinking and spontaneous creativity.
TSA may contribute with unique or atypical perspectives.
Synergy : This combination can result in innovative and creative solutions that are different from the norm, often highly valued in fields such as technology, art, and science.
Perseverance and endurance
ADHD brings an ability to work intensely under the right motivation.
ASD often includes high persistence on tasks of interest.
Synergy : The combination of these traits can allow for remarkable productivity and endurance when engaged in exciting projects.
Sensory sensitivity and detail
ADHD can cause heightened sensitivity to the environment, picking up many details simultaneously.
TSA often includes exceptional attention to detail, particularly in areas of interest.
Synergy : This keen eye for detail can be an asset in fields requiring high precision, such as data analysis, art, or programming.
Adaptability and innovation
ADHD promotes adaptability and the ability to think quickly.
TSA can stimulate a methodical and systematic approach.
Synergy : By combining these approaches, a person can be very effective in dynamic environments while being able to keep up with complex systems.
These interactions show how, under certain circumstances, the traits of these two disorders can complement each other and allow a person to function at an exceptionally high level. Of course, this requires a good understanding and adequate management of each trait to optimize these potentialities.
So? Do you still doubt your superpowers?
That's all well and good, but how?
Understanding and managing each trait individually can unlock incredible potential. A good place to start is by working with specialized professionals to get an accurate diagnosis. This will help you identify how these disorders interact in your daily life.
Next, educating yourself is key. Investing time in reading books, watching videos, and attending workshops can provide you with practical tools and make you feel less alone in your journey. Implementing time management techniques like using planners or specialized apps, or adapting your living or work space to minimize distractions, can also make a big difference.
Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, are great ways to work on behaviors and establish effective routines, while support groups and coaching can provide the emotional support needed for social and emotional challenges.
It is also essential to know and use your strengths. People with ADHD and ASD often have unique abilities that, once recognized, can be directed toward careers or hobbies where they can truly excel.
Discussing possible accommodations with an employer can also be beneficial in maximizing your professional productivity.
Regular medical follow-up is important to adjust treatments and approaches as needed. Every small adjustment or skill acquisition contributes to a better quality of life and a deeper appreciation of your unique abilities.
Some practical tools that can be extremely useful in your daily life
Time management tools
Use paper or digital planners to organize your daily tasks. Planners like the Passion Planner or Bullet Journal can help structure your days in a visual and satisfying way.
Trello or Asana for project management. MindNode: A useful mind mapping tool for visually organizing thoughts and tasks, especially helpful for people with ADHD. Forest to encourage focus by preventing you from using your phone distractingly.
Use a timer to work in 25-minute sprints followed by short breaks. Apps like TomatoTimer or Focus Keeper can help structure these sessions.
Adaptations to your living or working space
Use noise-canceling headphones or create a dedicated quiet workspace for tasks requiring high concentration.
Desk Bins and Organizers to maintain an orderly workspace. Whiteboards or Bulletin Boards to visualize tasks and goals.
Ensure adequate lighting and ergonomic furniture to minimize physical and visual fatigue.
Learning and support resources
📖Books
👉 For ADHD
" 100 Ideas for Better Managing Attention Deficit Disorders " by Francine Lussier. This book offers practical and accessible advice for adults with ADHD, ideal for those looking for daily strategies to improve their management of attention disorders.
" La Fabrique à Kifs " by Audrey Akoun and Isabelle Pailleau. Although not exclusively focused on ADHD, this book uses positive psychology to help readers manage stress and improve their well-being, which can be particularly beneficial for those affected by ADHD.
" Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) What to Do in Practice? " by Laura Nannini and Anne Gramond. This book provides an overview of ADHD, with clear explanations of symptoms, challenges, and coping strategies.
" Paths to Focus " by Harriet Griffey. This book offers methods to improve concentration, a common challenge for people with ADHD. It provides practical tools to strengthen attention in everyday life.
👉 For TSA
" Autistic Asperger at 50 " by Sylvie Seksek. This book offers a personal and in-depth account of the daily life and challenges faced by a person with Asperger's syndrome diagnosed as an adult.
" Better Understanding My Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) " by Ela Miniarikova, Florine Dellapiazza, Gabriela Fabryova, Flore Couty. This guide provides clear and accessible explanations to help adults with ASD better understand their condition and develop strategies to navigate daily life.
" Autism, The Passage to Adulthood " by René Pry, Éric Pernon. This book addresses the important transitions and adaptations necessary for young adults with autism, providing practical advice to facilitate the transition to adulthood.
And of course " Asperger's Syndrome: A Complete Guide " by Tony Attwood. A reference work for anyone interested in Asperger's syndrome, offering a detailed analysis of the clinical aspects, coping strategies and support available.
🎓 Online courses
Udemy : Course on stress and attention management strategies.
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