In our previous blog, we explored how ADHD often coexists with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and substance use conditions that share disruptions in emotional regulation, motivation, and reward processing. These co-occurring conditions blur diagnostic lines and remind us that ADHD is not a standalone disorder, but a complex neurodevelopmental difference.
In this continuation, we extend the discussion to examine four additional overlaps: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), tic disorders (including Tourette Syndrome), and sleep disorders. Understanding these overlaps will help us see ADHD not as an exclusive label but as part of a wider neurodevelopmental landscape that shapes cognition, behaviour, and everyday functioning.
The boundary between ADHD and ASD has grown increasingly porous. Once mutually exclusive in diagnostic systems, research now shows that 50% - 70% of individuals with ASD also meet criteria for ADHD [1]. Both share impairments in executive function, self-monitoring, attention regulation, and sensory processing [1]. This overlap often presents as a blend of hyperactivity, distractibility, and intense focus on special interests, each driven by atypical dopamine signalling in the prefrontal and striatal circuits. Recognising both conditions allows for strength-based strategies: structuring novelty, leveraging special interests, and creating flexible learning environments that reward curiosity and engagement. Recognition of a combined type AuDHD is a big step towards recognising this overlap.
Learning challenges often accompany ADHD, not simply as side effects of inattention but as distinct comorbid conditions. Studies show that 30% - 45% of individuals with ADHD also have SLD [2]. Both involve deficits in inhibition, working memory, and processing speed which are core components of executive function.
Children with combined ADHD and SLD presentation have more pronounced inhibitory control deficits than those with ADHD alone [3]. Individuals with ADHD often experience academic difficulties, however, when ADHD co-occurs with a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), the challenges multiply, making it considerably harder for the person to cope with academic demands. In practical terms, that means interventions must go beyond behavioural management, pairing executive function coaching with evidence-based academic supports to strengthen reading, writing, or math fluency while sustaining motivation through gamified learning and micro-rewards.
Tic disorders, including Tourette Syndrome, frequently coexist with ADHD, particularly in children. For example, a large network-analysis study of nearly 4,000 children found that about 60% - 80% of those diagnosed with Tourette’s also had notable ADHD symptoms [4].
In many cases, ADHD symptoms (especially impulsivity and restlessness) precede or amplify tic severity. Conversely, tics can increase stress and impair concentration, creating a feedback loop of dysregulation. What this means in real life: the hyperactivity, impulsivity and restlessness of ADHD may either pre-date, amplify or intertwine with the appearance of motor and vocal tics.For practitioners and caregivers, the key takeaway is: when you see tics in a child (or vice-versa), don’t assume one condition fully explains everything. Screening for both ADHD and Tourette’s becomes vital, because treatment needs to address both sides, not just the tics or just the attention-impulse issues.
ADHDers usually struggle with sleep, it is one big challenge to sleep and wake up on time.
Sleep disorders such as insomnia, delayed sleep phase, and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are significantly more common among people with ADHD [5]. Research indicates that inattentive symptoms correlate strongly with OSA and night owls. Disrupted sleep cycles impair dopamine regulation, worsen inattention and impulsivity, and amplify mood instability. But here is a happy news for you, if you work on your sleep hygiene some of your ADHD symptoms can become milder [6].
ADHD rarely comes alone, it often brings friends like tics, sleep struggles, or learning challenges. Noticing these overlaps early can make a huge difference in how you feel and function. Don’t brush off constant restlessness, trouble sleeping, or learning gaps as they might be signs of something connected. The more we understand these links and reach out for help, the better support and balance we can build.
Whether you're here to focus better, calm your mind, or just feel a little more in control, we’re here to support you. One game at a time.
