21/03/2026
Something I see quite often is children (and adults) who are identified as having ADHD… but there are also underlying autistic traits that aren’t always recognised straight away.
ADHD can sometimes ‘mask’ autism because the more visible behaviours tend to be things like:
• impulsivity
• high energy
• difficulty focusing
But underneath that, there might also be:
• sensory sensitivities (noise, clothing, food)
• a need for routine or predictability
• social differences (finding friendships confusing or tiring)
• big emotional responses that feel hard to manage
Sometimes those quieter traits get missed - especially in children who are coping well on the surface.
It’s not about labels for the sake of it…
It’s about understanding what’s really going on so the right support can be put in place 💛
If you’ve ever wondered about this for your child, you’re definitely not alone.