To calm ADHD and autism, use structured routines with flexibility, create sensory-friendly spaces (with headphones, soft lighting), incorporate physical activity (yoga, team sports), practice mindfulness/breathing, break tasks into small steps, and use grounding techniques like focusing on your senses, while also exploring therapies like CBT and potential nutritional support like iron, say experts from Healthdirect, ADDitude, and The Royal Children’s Hospital.
Treatment for ADHD usually includes medication. On the other hand, because the medication options for ASD are still limited, children with ASD may respond better to non-medication alternatives. Those might include behavior therapy to help manage symptoms and skills training to help cope with daily life.
Atomoxetine, a nonstimulant medication that functions via norepinephrine and dopamine, has demonstrated better tolerability than stimulant medications in individuals with co-occurring ADHD and ASD [42].
A person with ADHD may seek out constant stimulation and novelty while a person with autism may be easily overstimulated or sensitive to sensory input (sounds, lighting). Some examples of possible conflicting symptoms in a person with AuDHD include: Being easily overwhelmed but feeling unable to slow down and recharge.
The best tips for neurodiverse individuals is to have space to explain how they need to receive communication. Building empathy in neurodiverse relationships is key and accepting the adult with ADHD and Autism as the unique individual that they are!
The ADHD "30% Rule" is a guideline suggesting that executive functions (like self-regulation, planning, and emotional control) in people with ADHD develop about 30% slower than in neurotypical individuals, meaning a 10-year-old might function more like a 7-year-old in these areas, requiring adjusted expectations for maturity, task management, and behavior. It's a tool for caregivers and adults with ADHD to set realistic goals, not a strict scientific law, helping to reduce frustration by matching demands to the person's actual developmental level (executive age) rather than just their chronological age.
Autism and ADHD often co-occur, known as AuDHD. Both autism and ADHD have shared characteristics and overlapping traits.
The 20-minute rule for ADHD is a productivity strategy to overcome task paralysis by committing to work on a task for just 20 minutes, leveraging the brain's need for dopamine and short bursts of focus, making it easier to start and build momentum, with the option to stop or continue after the timer goes off, and it's a variation of the Pomodoro Technique, adapted for ADHD's unique challenges like time blindness. It helps by reducing overwhelm, providing a clear starting point, and creating a dopamine-boosting win, even if you only work for that short period.
Around 90% of autism cases are attributed to genetic factors, meaning autism is highly heritable, with many different genes contributing, rather than a single cause, often interacting with environmental influences during early brain development, though specific environmental factors don't cause it but can increase risk. Twin studies show strong genetic links, with concordance rates between 60-90% in identical twins, and research points to complex interactions of many genes and prenatal/perinatal factors.
The "6-second rule" for autism is a communication strategy where a speaker pauses for about six seconds after asking a question or giving information, giving the autistic person extra time to process it without feeling rushed, which helps reduce anxiety and allows for a more thoughtful response, reducing frustration for both parties. Instead of repeating or rephrasing, which can be confusing, you wait, and if needed, repeat the exact same words after the pause.
Increase stress relief by exercising outdoors—people with ADHD often benefit from sunshine and green surroundings. Try relaxing forms of exercise, such as mindful walking, yoga, or tai chi. In addition to relieving stress, they can teach you to better control your attention and impulses.
Ritalin is a well-known stimulant medication often prescribed for individuals with autism. It helps to manage hyperactivity and impulsivity while enhancing focus and attention. Many parents find that Ritalin can significantly improve their child's ability to concentrate and participate in daily activities.
At the other end of the spectrum, an autistic individual with complex needs may be disruptive, aggressive and unpredictable, both to themselves and to others, due to their extreme anxiety. These autistic children with complex needs may never speak and can seem to be locked away in their own world.
His use of 528 Hz music as a coping mechanism demonstrates the potential of sound frequencies to enhance emotional well-being and sleep quality, both of which are often compromised in children with ADHD and autism.
1. Behavioural Therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is often used to help individuals with ADHD and autism develop coping strategies for managing symptoms like impulsivity, anxiety, and emotional regulation.
While the exact reasons are not yet clear, changes in how the disorder is defined, increases in screening, and more awareness certainly contribute to this increase. If you have any concerns about your child's development, speak to a healthcare professional about diagnostic tests.
A: Both parents can carry genes associated with autism, even if they don't show any signs themselves. These genes can be passed down to children through either the mother, the father, or both.
There's no single "best" treatment for autism worldwide; rather, effective approaches are individualized, with Behavioral Therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech, occupational, and educational therapies being the most evidence-based for skill-building, communication, and managing behaviors, alongside potential medication for associated symptoms. A comprehensive plan often combines therapies like ABA (focusing on positive reinforcement for skills), educational programs, speech/language support, occupational therapy (daily living), and family training, tailored to the person's unique needs to improve quality of life.
Make sure your environment is quiet, calm and comfortable. Noise-cancelling earphones, heavy curtains, or a white noise machine may help. Make sure your curtains block light in the morning or try wearing an eye mask. medications may also be available in cases where stimulants are found to contribute to sleep problems.
What is the Five-Second Rule? The Five-Second Rule is a technique to get things done the moment they cross your mind. The rule is once you get an instinct or gut feeling to do something that you know you should be doing, start it immediately.
There are several alternatives to ADHD medication, each with its unique benefits. While holistic approaches may take time, they can lead to sustainable improvements without unwanted side effects. Some of the most common alternatives include cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, mindfulness, and diet modifications.
When autism and ADHD co-occur, it's informally known as AuDHD, a term that has emerged in the neurodivergent community. It recognizes the common experience of individuals with both conditions and highlights the unique strengths and challenges of this intersection.
Autism and ADHD are neurodevelopmental conditions, which are present from birth. People with Autism and ADHD develop differently from neurotypical people, which can impact their … Autism and ADHD are neurodevelopmental conditions, which are present from birth.
ADHD is thought to be caused by a combination of genetics, brain structure and brain chemicals. Some groups may be more at risk, including people with epilepsy or a brain injury and people born prematurely. Treatment isn't always necessary, but can include medicine, therapy or both.