Adult Autism Series
Overlapping in Adult Autism
Clinical Psychologist, Auckland, Milford, Ponsonby & Parnell
Adult autism is a multifaceted experience that often extends beyond a singular diagnosis. Many autistic adults find that their neurodivergence overlaps with other conditions—commonly referred to as comorbidities—adding layers of complexity to their lived experiences. This phenomenon is not about “adding up deficits” but about recognising that the human mind is a tapestry of diverse traits and challenges. In this article, we explore the concept of overlapping in adult autism, the common conditions that coexist, and strategies to navigate this complexity with a neuro‑affirmative, compassionate, and empowering approach.
Understanding Overlap in Adult Autism
When we talk about "overlapping" in the context of adult autism, we are referring to the frequent co-occurrence of additional conditions alongside autism. These overlaps can involve mental health issues, learning differences, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Recognising these overlaps is essential, as they can influence how autistic adults experience daily life, access support, and navigate challenges in diagnosis and treatment.
What Does Overlap Mean?
Co‑Occurrence of Conditions:
Many autistic adults also experience conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, dyslexia, or obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD). These conditions share some similar characteristics, such as difficulties with executive functioning, sensory processing challenges, and differences in attention or emotional regulation.
Diagnostic Complexity:
Because symptoms often overlap, it can be challenging for professionals to differentiate between autistic traits and the features of other conditions. This overlap sometimes leads to misdiagnosis or delays in receiving a comprehensive understanding of one’s neurodivergence.
Holistic Identity:
It’s important to view these overlapping conditions not as a collection of separate issues but as interrelated aspects of your overall neurodiverse identity. Acknowledging the complexity can empower you to seek support that addresses your whole self rather than isolated symptoms.
Common Overlapping Conditions in Adult Autism
1. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
ADHD is one of the most commonly reported overlapping conditions in autistic adults. Both autism and ADHD share traits such as difficulties with focus, impulsivity, and executive functioning. Many autistic adults find that the hyperactivity or inattentiveness associated with ADHD compounds challenges related to time management, organisation, and social interactions.
2. Anxiety and Depression
Mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression are prevalent among autistic adults. The constant need to adapt to environments that are not designed for neurodiversity, coupled with the effort to mask autistic traits, can lead to chronic stress. Over time, this heightened stress may manifest as anxiety disorders or depressive episodes. Understanding this overlap is crucial, as addressing mental health can significantly improve overall wellbeing.
3. Learning Differences and Dyslexia
Some autistic adults also experience learning differences, including dyslexia or other specific learning disabilities. These conditions can affect reading, writing, and processing information, making academic and professional environments more challenging. However, they can also contribute to unique strengths, such as creative problem‑solving and alternative thinking patterns.
4. Obsessive‑Compulsive Tendencies
While not every autistic adult experiences OCD, some do share traits such as repetitive behaviours or fixated interests. These traits, when they overlap with obsessive‑compulsive tendencies, can become more pronounced, influencing daily routines and behaviours. It is important to distinguish between the natural repetitive patterns seen in autism and the distress or impairment that characterises OCD.
5. Sensory Processing Differences
Beyond the core sensory sensitivities associated with autism, overlapping conditions might intensify how sensory stimuli are experienced. This can result in extreme responses to sensory input—sometimes leading to sensory overload, burnout, or heightened anxiety. Recognising these overlaps can help in developing tailored strategies to manage sensory challenges more effectively.
Diagnostic Challenges and the Importance of Comprehensive Assessment
The overlapping of conditions in adult autism can make diagnosis challenging. Many autistic adults undergo a long and complex journey to receive a comprehensive diagnosis that captures the full scope of their neurodiversity. Traditional diagnostic frameworks may focus on singular aspects, missing the nuances that arise when multiple conditions coexist.
Challenges in Diagnosis
Masked Symptoms:
Many autistic adults learn to mask their traits, either to fit in or to cope with an environment that does not support neurodiversity. This masking can make it difficult for clinicians to identify overlapping conditions accurately.
Evolving Criteria:
Diagnostic criteria for autism and related conditions have evolved over time. Many adults who might now receive a dual diagnosis were overlooked under older models. This evolution is a positive step toward recognising the complexity of neurodiversity, but it also means that many individuals face delayed or incomplete diagnoses.
Interrelated Symptoms:
The symptoms of overlapping conditions often interact in complex ways. For example, anxiety may exacerbate attention difficulties, while sensory sensitivities can influence both mood and cognitive performance. A comprehensive assessment that takes into account these interrelationships is essential for effective support.
The Need for Holistic Assessment
A holistic, neuro‑affirmative assessment considers the full range of your experiences. Rather than isolating one condition from another, it recognises how different aspects of neurodiversity interact. This approach not only provides a clearer understanding of your strengths and challenges but also informs more effective, tailored support strategies.
Strategies for Managing Overlapping Conditions
Navigating the complexities of overlapping conditions in adult autism requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some practical strategies:
1. Tailored Support Plans
Develop a support plan that addresses each aspect of your neurodiversity. This might include:
Targeted Therapies:
Engaging in therapies such as cognitive‑behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based interventions can help manage anxiety, depression, or other overlapping mental health issues.
Educational Support:
If learning differences are present, consider resources like tutoring, specialised learning tools, or workplace adjustments that can accommodate your needs.
2. Self‑Advocacy
Learning to advocate for yourself is crucial when managing overlapping conditions. This includes:
Understanding Your Needs:
Reflect on how each overlapping condition affects your daily life and identify what specific accommodations or support would make a difference.
Communicating Effectively:
Whether in the workplace, with healthcare providers, or in personal relationships, clear communication about your needs is key. Explain that your challenges may be interrelated and require a comprehensive approach.
3. Building a Comprehensive Support Network
Connect with professionals and peers who understand the complexities of overlapping conditions. Support networks can include:
Peer Support Groups:
Groups that focus on neurodiversity can provide insights, shared experiences, and practical advice for managing overlapping challenges.
Specialised Healthcare Providers:
Seek out clinicians who specialise in neurodiversity and have experience in assessing and treating overlapping conditions. Their expertise can guide you in managing the interplay between different aspects of your neurodiversity.
4. Self‑Care and Stress Management
Regular self‑care practices are essential in managing overlapping conditions. Consider:
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:
Practices like meditation, yoga, or deep‑breathing exercises can help manage stress and improve overall wellbeing.
Structured Routines:
Creating a predictable daily routine can reduce stress and help manage symptoms that arise from overlapping conditions.
Sensory Adjustments:
Making adjustments to your environment—such as using noise‑cancelling headphones or setting up a sensory‑friendly workspace—can alleviate sensory overload, which often exacerbates other challenges.
5. Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Recognise that managing overlapping conditions is an ongoing process. What works today may need to be adjusted tomorrow as circumstances change. Embrace lifelong learning about your neurodiversity and remain open to new strategies and approaches.
Take‑Away Points
Embrace Complexity:
Overlapping conditions in adult autism are part of the rich tapestry of neurodiversity. They contribute to your unique perspective and strengths.
Comprehensive Assessment Is Key:
A holistic diagnostic approach that considers all aspects of your neurodiversity is essential for understanding and support.
Tailored Strategies Work Best:
Support plans and self‑advocacy strategies should be customised to address the interplay between overlapping conditions.
Build a Strong Support Network:
Peer groups and specialised professionals can offer valuable insights and practical support.
Self‑Care Is Crucial:
Prioritise self‑care and stress management practices to mitigate the impact of overlapping conditions on your daily life.
Your Journey Is Ongoing:
Managing overlapping conditions is a continuous process of learning and adaptation. Every small step contributes to your overall wellbeing.
Overlapping conditions in adult autism highlight the complexity and richness of neurodiverse experiences. While navigating comorbidities such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, learning differences, and sensory sensitivities can be challenging, it is important to recognise that these overlaps also bring unique strengths and perspectives. Embracing a neuro‑affirmative approach means acknowledging that your experiences are valid and that each aspect of your neurodiversity contributes to your overall identity.
By pursuing a comprehensive assessment, tailoring support strategies to your unique needs, and advocating for yourself in all areas of life, you can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Remember, managing overlapping conditions is not about “fixing” you—it’s about understanding and honouring the complex ways in which your mind works.
If you’re interested in exploring your overlapping conditions further or feel that a tailored assessment might provide deeper insights into your strengths and challenges, please consider reaching out. Our supportive team is here to guide you through personalised strategies designed specifically for autistic adults.
Stay empowered, remain curious, and know that every step you take towards understanding and embracing your complete self is a step toward a more inclusive, fulfilling future. Your complexity is not a burden—it is your strength.