Find a therapist to help with ADHD

ADHD symptoms can sometimes make autism traits harder to recognize.

Some people become more aware of autistic traits after ADHD symptoms are treated.

Stimulants may change symptom perception, but they do not cause autism.

As more people are being diagnosed with both ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), new questions have started to emerge. One is the idea that stimulants "unmask" autism traits that were previously hidden.

This does not happen to everyone with both diagnoses, but it is a topic that deserves further discussion.

Not every ADHD medication is a stimulant

It is essential to remember that ADHD treatment is not always based on the use of stimulants.

ADHD treatment can involve both medication and non-medication approaches, which can even be used together. When treatment includes medication, it can be divided into two groups: stimulants and non-stimulants.

Stimulants include different formulations of Ritalin (methylphenidate), Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), and Adderall (composed of four amphetamine salts). Non-stimulants include Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine), and Kapvay (clonidine).

Treatment can also include psychotherapy, occupational therapy, and other approaches that help manage symptoms in daily life.

In this post, the focus is on the effect of stimulant use on ASD traits, although there are reports of........

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