Supporting Wellness Psychological and Family Services

Is ADHD on the Autism Spectrum?

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No. ADHD and autism are separate neurodevelopmental conditions with different diagnostic criteria. They do often occur together, and they share some traits, which is why they get confused. Since 2013, diagnostic guidelines have allowed a person to be diagnosed with both, and many people are.

How they differ

ADHD centres on attention, activity levels and impulse control. People with ADHD may be easily distracted, disorganized, restless or impulsive. They often understand social rules well but struggle to apply them in the moment, for example interrupting without meaning to.

Autism centres on differences in social communication and interaction, together with restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests, which can include a strong preference for routine and sensory sensitivities. Autistic people may find unwritten social rules genuinely unclear, rather than hard to follow.

Where they overlap

  • Difficulty with attention, although often for different reasons.
  • Trouble with executive functions such as planning, organization and switching between tasks.
  • Challenges with emotional regulation.
  • Sensory sensitivities, which are central to autism and also common in ADHD.
  • Social difficulties, from impulsivity in ADHD or from communication differences in autism.

How often they occur together

Research consistently finds that a substantial share of autistic people also meet criteria for ADHD, and that autistic traits are more common in people with ADHD than in the general population. Estimates vary widely between studies, but the overlap is large enough that a good assessment considers both.

Why the distinction matters

ADHD and autism call for different supports. ADHD medication and strategies target attention and impulsivity, while autism supports focus on communication, sensory needs and predictable environments. When both are present, addressing only one can leave important needs unmet. For a child, the right understanding shapes school supports. For an adult, it can make sense of years of feeling out of step.

Signs a broader assessment may be worth it

  • ADHD strategies or medication help with focus, but social or sensory difficulties remain.
  • A strong reliance on routine, and real distress when plans change.
  • Intense, focused interests alongside difficulty paying attention elsewhere.
  • Social situations that feel confusing, not just hard to manage.

What about the term AuDHD?

Some people who have both diagnoses describe themselves as AuDHD. It is not a clinical term, but it reflects a real experience: the two conditions interact, sometimes pulling in opposite directions, such as needing routine while also craving novelty.

Assessment at Supporting Wellness

Our psychologists provide ADHD assessments and psychoeducational assessments in Calgary, Red Deer and Cold Lake. If autism is part of the question, we will talk through on the first call whether our assessment can answer it or where to go for a specialized autism assessment, so you do not pay for the wrong thing. Call 1-888-622-8350.

We direct bill many insurers, including Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife and Greenshield, and can check your coverage before you book. See direct billing and insurance.

Book online
Call 1-888-622-8350
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Related reading: Autism assessments: what families need to know, Can you develop ADHD later in life? and How to get diagnosed with ADHD in Alberta.

Our Matching Process

Over the Phone Consult
Give us a call for an over-the-phone consultation. Booking a therapy session requires no referral. We look forward to getting to know you and helping you access the care you need.
Pair With a Practitioner
Once we’ve spoken on the phone, we’ll be able to assess your concerns and pair you with a practitioner in our office who is best suited for your situation. We want you to receive relevant and relatable support. We have locations in Calgary, Red Deer and Cold Lake.
 
Come in to Talk
We look forward to having you come in for your first session; our goal is to make you feel welcome and comfortable. You will sit down with a therapist who has specialized knowledge of your area of concern.

Why Choose Supporting Wellness

Supporting Wellness Psychological and Family Services
Safe & Welcoming Environment
Our office is comfortable and inviting for clients of all ages with a modern, open, and friendly atmosphere. We do our best to ensure you feel completely safe and comfortable when you come for your appointment, whether with a family member or on your own.
Family Oriented Practice
We cater to families with multiple concerns. We are knowledgeable about marriage and family counselling, couples therapy, and child therapy. We are dedicated to maintaining an environment that is safe, comfortable and inviting to families.
We Listen & Work Collaboratively
We use a collaborative approach in our therapy and counselling sessions. We listen intently, respond with care, offer helpful feedback, and often recommend activities or reading materials to support progress between sessions.
Specialized Care
Our team includes specialized psychologists and therapists with advanced training. You can trust that the professional supporting you has the experience and expertise needed to provide high-quality care.
No Referral Necessary
We do not require a referral from your family physician; seeking care from one of our trained practitioners is the first step to better mental and emotional health, and we want you to have easy access to the care you need.
Free Connection Calls
All of our therapists offer free 15-minute connection calls to help you determine if they’re the right fit for your needs. It’s a chance to ask questions, share what you’re looking for, and feel confident in your next steps, so you can move forward knowing you’re supported from the very beginning.