🧠
Some people have both autism and ADHD.
They may experience:
Need for routine (autism)
Need for novelty (ADHD)
Sensory overload + sensory seeking
Emotional intensity
Executive function difficulties
💡 This can feel confusing but is completely valid.
🧠 NEUROLOGICAL & BRAIN SYSTEM LINKS
Nervous System
The nervous system controls:
Thoughts
Emotions
Movement
Sensory input
In neurodivergence:
Signals may be stronger
Processing may be faster or slower
Regulation can be harder
Brain Systems involved
🧠 Prefrontal cortex → planning & control
⚡ Amygdala → emotion & threat response
🧪 Dopamine & serotonin → mood & motivation
🔥 HPA axis → stress response
🔊 SENSORY PROCESSING
🔴 Hypersensitivity
Loud sounds feel painful
Bright lights overwhelming
Strong reactions to textures
🔵 Hyposensitivity
Not noticing hunger or pain
Seeking movement or pressure
⚙️ EXECUTIVE FUNCTION
Executive function includes:
Planning
Organisation
Time management
Task initiation
Emotional control
Difficulties may include:
Forgetting tasks
Trouble starting work
Losing focus
Feeling overwhelmed
😟 MENTAL HEALTH CONNECTIONS
People with autism/ADHD may also experience:
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Burnout
OCD
Sleep difficulties
Why this happens:
Sensory overload
Social difficulties
Feeling misunderstood
Chronic stress
⚡ EPILEPSY & NEURODIVERSITY
Epilepsy = abnormal electrical activity in the brain → seizures
Key facts:
Can co-occur with autism
Sometimes mistaken for inattentiveness (ADHD-like)
Can be triggered by:
Stress
Fatigue
Illness
Lack of sleep
🧩 SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES
Similarities:
Executive dysfunction
Sensory differences
Emotional regulation difficulties
Sleep issues
Social challenges
Differences:
Autism ADHD
Routine preference Impulsivity
Social communication differences Inattention/hyperactivity
Repetitive behaviours Restlessness
🌍 SOCIAL MODEL OF DISABILITY
✔ Focus on environment, not “fixing the person”
Society should:
Remove barriers
Provide adjustments
Be flexible
Support communication needs
Listen to lived experience
🌱 STRENGTHS OF AUTISTIC & ADHD PEOPLE
People may have:
🔎 Attention to detail
🎨 Creativity
💙 Honesty and loyalty
🧠 Strong memory
💡 Problem-solving skills
🌍 REAL-WORLD CHALLENGES
People may find difficulties with:
Crowded places
Noise overload (shops, airports)
Transport systems
Self-service machines
Unpredictable environments
💡 These are environmental barriers, not personal failings
🧠 AUTISM DIAGNOSIS & HISTORY
Autism is a spectrum condition
Asperger’s is now included under ASD
Diagnosis considers behaviour and development
Can be diagnosed in childhood or adulthood
📊 LEVELS OF SUPPORT (DSM-5)
Level 1 → needs support
Level 2 → substantial support
Level 3 → very substantial support
💙 KEY SUPPORT STRATEGIES
Visual schedules
Routine and structure
Sensory breaks
Clear communication
Therapy (CBT, OT, speech therapy)
Reasonable adjustments
🧾 EASY READ SUMMARY
Autism and ADHD are brain differences
People learn and experience the world differently
Support helps people succeed
Everyone deserves respect
🧠 POWERPOINT MASTER STRUCTURE
Title
What is neurodiversity
Autism overview
ADHD overview
AuDHD
Nervous system basics
Sensory processing
Executive function
Mental health links
Epilepsy overview
Strengths
Real-life challenges
Social model of disability
Support strategies
Similarities & differences
Inclusion & society
Key takeaways
Resources
📝 QUIZ / KNOWLEDGE CHECK
What is autism?
→ Brain-based differences affecting communication and sensory processing
What is ADHD?
→ Differences in attention, impulse control, and activity levels
What is AuDHD?
→ Both autism and ADHD together
What is sensory overload?
→ Too much sensory input
What is executive function?
→ Brain skills for planning and organisation
What is neurodiversity?
→ All brains are different
📚 RESOURCES
National Autistic Society
Autism Speaks
NHS
CDC
WHO Mental Health
Epilepsy Foundation
Mind (UK)
PubMed Central
💙 FINAL MESSAGE
🧠 Autism and ADHD are not illnesses
🌍 Neurodiversity is part of human variation
💙 People are not broken
🌱 Environments can be improved
🤝 Inclusion comes from understanding
🧠 Every brain deserves respect
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