Neurodiversity in the workplace; Overlaps between autism and ADHD.

Michelle Shavdia from Find Your Spark is one of our experts in ADHD awareness and support for adults and children. You can ask Michelle anything on the confidential business growth community to support you and your team (and your customers!) and Michelle hosts training and events in Essex and Suffolk for families and businesses. Here Michelle shares advice on the difference between ADHD and Autism.

Let’s talk about Neurodiversity: understanding and awareness: Do you know the difference between ADHD and Autism?

ADHD and autism are two distinct neurodevelopmental conditions however often people get them mixed up as there are neurobiological overlaps and similar symptoms. The main three overlaps are sensory, interoception and social integration issues. People with ADHD tend to get distracted by external stimuli going on around them and those with autism tend to get distracted by internal stimuli such as their thoughts.

Additionally, these two conditions frequently co-occur with ADHD presenting in 30-80% of individuals with ASD and ASD presenting in 20 – 50% of individuals with ADHD (van der Meer et al, 2012). Did you know it wasn’t until 2013 that a provider could diagnose both conditions?!

Mindblowing!!

And yet they are two very different conditions, with specific treatments and support plans required for each condition.

To learn more about the ADHD and autism overlaps and read more of this article, visit Let’s talk about Neurodiversity: understanding and awareness: Do you know the difference between ADHD and Autism? – Find Your Spark

Or to find out more about what Find Your Spark offers, including one to one ADHD coaching and grouips, please get in touch by email amanda@findyourspark.co.uk phone 07928 132 387. We have a couple of groups coming up: