11/26/2025
Did you know that autism and ADHD share more than just similar behaviors?
Growing evidence from large-scale neuroimaging studies shows substantial overlap in the brain networks involved in both conditions. Research using structural and functional MRI has found shared alterations in systems supporting attention regulation, cognitive flexibility, social cognition, and decision-making (Uddin et al., 2017; Aoki et al., 2022).
These shared neural pathways help explain why many children experience traits of both conditions; for example, difficulties with focus, shifting between tasks, reading social cues, or managing impulses. Instead of viewing autism and ADHD as completely separate, neuroscience increasingly supports a model where overlapping brain circuits give rise to intersecting developmental profiles (Kernbach et al., 2018).
This shift is changing how clinicians understand diagnosis and care. Recognizing the common neurobiological roots allows for more individualized, strengths-based strategies that address attention, regulation, learning, and social engagement together rather than in isolation.
If you have questions about developmental differences, remember, you’re not alone. Early understanding and personalized support can make an enormous difference.
