Can an Adult Have Both Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD? Understanding the Diagnosis and Complexity

Many individuals may wonder if it is possible for an adult to have both Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD. While the answer is yes, the diagnosis and understanding of these conditions can be quite complex.

ADHD: Not ADD Any More

It is indeed possible for an adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, though the term ADD is no longer used in the medical community. ADD, which was the name used for ADHD until 1987, is now considered an outdated term that wasn’t legally recognized as a medical disorder for 37 years.

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and was renamed from ADD in 1987. The ADD terminology lived on in popular culture for quite some time because it became a widely familiar term during its prevalence in the early 1980s. It is noteworthy that ADD and ADHD are essentially the same condition, with ADD simply being the older term.

ADHD in Adults

The condition known as ADHD is often considered to be present from birth, though it tends to manifest more seriously around 3-6 years of age, leading to diagnoses of ADHD in children. For adults to be diagnosed with ADHD, there must be significant evidence that the condition was present, severe, and impairing in childhood. This means that the symptoms and behaviors of ADHD must have been noticeable and impactful during the developmental years.

ASD and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is another condition that, like ADHD, is present from birth and becomes problematic from early childhood. Adults can be diagnosed with ASD, provided the evidence shows that it was present in childhood.

Diagnosing Both ASD and ADHD

The journey of diagnosing both ASD and ADHD, however, is complex and has faced numerous changes over the years. Prior to 2013, it was not possible for someone to be diagnosed with both conditions. The restriction was placed due to the belief that Autism essentially overruled ADHD, meaning that if a person had been diagnosed with ASD, an ADHD diagnosis would be invalidated.

The rules changed in 2013 to make it easier for patients to receive the care they needed, but this was not due to new research. Rather, it was done to facilitate access to medication and support services. Many individuals with ASD are prescribed stimulants to manage various symptoms. Having an additional ADHD diagnosis made it easier for them to access such medications.

Conversely, ADHD patients found it easier to access learning and disability support services if they had an additional diagnosis of ASD. This change was primarily about simplifying the process of receiving necessary services and treatments.

The Challenge of Co-Morbidity

Despite the complexity and changes in diagnosis, the latest brain scan discoveries from 2013 indicate that it is unlikely to find both ADHD and ASD simultaneously in a child. Each child's brain pattern is different, and it is difficult to have both conditions present. This implies that if a person is diagnosed with one condition, the presence of the other may be less likely due to the unique brain functioning of individuals.

Understanding the interplay between ASD and ADHD is crucial for mental health professionals and educators alike. While it is possible for both conditions to coexist, the diagnostic process requires a thorough evaluation of childhood developmental history and current symptoms. This complexity underscores the importance of professional evaluation and ongoing support for individuals with either condition and those who may present with both.