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Visual cues, an adapted sensory environment, breaks, organisation tools: small adjustments often make a big difference.
Two neurodevelopmental disorders
In neurodevelopmental disorders, the brain develops and works in a particular way from childhood. Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD are among them. They are distinct, but the same person can have both.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) shows in two main areas: communication and social interaction, and repetitive or restricted behaviours, interests or activities, often with sensory differences. It affects about one person in a hundred.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) combines attention difficulties, and sometimes restlessness and impulsivity. It affects about 5% of children and often persists into adulthood.
Characteristics unique to each person
We speak of a “spectrum” because situations vary widely: some autistic people live independently, others need a lot of daily support. Here are common characteristics, more or less marked.
Social communication
Difficulty picking up on hints, facial expressions or unwritten social rules.
Need for predictability
Routines are reassuring, and unexpected changes can cause anxiety.
Special interests
Intense interests, often a source of expertise and enjoyment.
Sensory perception
Very high or, on the contrary, low sensitivity to noise, light, textures, smells or touch.
Fatigue and overload
Constantly adapting is tiring. Overload can lead to a need to withdraw or to a meltdown.
Masking
Many people, especially girls and women, mask their difficulties, which often delays diagnosis.
Attention, restlessness, impulsivity
ADHD can take a mainly inattentive form, a mainly hyperactive-impulsive form, or a combined form. The difficulties have been present since childhood and show up in several areas of life: school, work, home, relationships.
Inattention
Difficulty staying focused, forgetfulness, lost objects, tasks started but not finished.
Hyperactivity
A need to move, difficulty sitting still; in adults, more of an inner restlessness.
Impulsivity
Acting or speaking before thinking, difficulty waiting your turn.
Emotions
Intense emotions that are hard to regulate, strong sensitivity to criticism.
Organisation
Managing time, planning and getting organised takes a lot of effort and is tiring.
Often overlooked
Girls and women, who are often less restless, are frequently diagnosed late, sometimes in adulthood.
A diagnosis possible at any age
In children, the first signs can be spotted by parents, school or the doctor. The doctor can refer to a specialist assessment, in France in particular through the coordination and referral platforms for neurodevelopmental disorders.
For autism in adults, diagnosis often comes late. It involves a psychiatrist or a team trained in autism; Autism Resource Centres (CRA) step in for complex situations.
For ADHD, diagnosis is made by a trained doctor (paediatrician, child psychiatrist, neurologist or psychiatrist), based on interviews, questionnaires and history since childhood, checking that the difficulties appear in several settings.
In both cases, other causes must be ruled out: sleep disorders, anxiety, hearing or vision problems, but also chronic fatigue and pain.
Adapting the environment, supporting independence
Support is built with the person and their loved ones, according to their needs, strengths and wishes.
Professionals
Speech therapy, psychomotor therapy, occupational therapy, educational or psychological support, depending on needs.
Understanding and getting organised
For ADHD: information about the disorder (psychoeducation), parenting programmes and cognitive behavioural therapies.
Medication
For ADHD, treatment can be offered and monitored by a specialist doctor, alongside other support. If you also have POTS or a heart condition, tell your doctor: some treatments can speed up the heart. There is no medicine that treats autism itself.
School and work
The MDPH can grant support: a classroom assistant, exam adjustments, recognition as a disabled worker…
Rights and proceduresOverall health
Sleep disorders, anxiety and digestive problems are common in autistic people or people with ADHD and deserve proper care.
Be careful: beware of methods that promise to “cure” autism or ADHD. The French National Authority for Health (HAS) guidelines describe the approaches that are validated.
EDS, hypermobility and neurodevelopment
Several studies, including a large Swedish population-wide study (2016), have observed that autism and ADHD are more common in people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or hypermobility, and in their relatives.
The reasons for this link are still being studied. Professionals following someone with EDS should therefore also think about these characteristics, and vice versa. Fatigue, pain or dysautonomia can also affect concentration: this must be taken into account before concluding it is ADHD.
Sources and resources
This page is based on official French sources and on scientific research.
Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS, French National Authority for Health)
Autism: warning signs, screening, diagnosis and assessment in children and adolescents (in French)
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Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS, French National Authority for Health)
ADHD: diagnosis and interventions in children and adolescents (2024, in French)
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Maison de l’autisme
Official French information website and Autism Resource Centres
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Autisme Info Service
Free listening, information and guidance
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HyperSupers TDAH France
Association of families and adults affected (in French)
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Cederlöf et al., BMC Psychiatry (2016)
Swedish study on EDS, hypermobility and psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders
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Medical information
The content of this page is provided for information only. It does not replace a consultation, a diagnosis or personalised advice from a healthcare professional.
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