Cognitive, social, and behavioral manifestations of the co-occurrence of autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review.

Rosello et al. (2022) pulled together 34 studies that looked at kids who have both autism and ADHD. They wanted to see how the double diagnosis shows up in thinking, social, and day-to-day skills.

The team only used papers that compared the combined group to kids with autism alone, ADHD alone, or typical peers.

Kids with both conditions scored lower on tests of memory, planning, and flexible thinking. They also had more trouble with dressing, chores, and friendship skills than kids with just one diagnosis.

Parents and teachers reported higher levels of anxiety, tantrums, and hyperactivity in the combined group.

Dellapiazza et al. (2021) found the same pattern: social problems were worst when autism and ADHD mixed. Their data is one of the 34 studies inside this review, so the new paper strengthens the earlier warning.

Ohan et al. (2015) showed that daily living skills drop when autism is added to ADHD. Rocio’s team now adds that the drop shows up across many samples and many tests, not just one lab.

Demopoulos et al. (2013) once thought the social-cognitive profiles looked the same, only milder in ADHD. The 2022 review says the story is bigger: the two conditions together create new, heavier burdens that go beyond simple addition.

When you see a client with both diagnoses, plan for a tougher climb. Use shorter teaching steps, add visual supports, and screen for anxiety early. Share the data with parents so they know the struggle is real, not bad parenting. Team up with speech, OT, and medical providers because the child’s needs cross every domain.