312 Autism, ADHD and AuDHD: Understanding the Overlap with Dr. Robert Naseef
Apr 22, 2025
01:10:25
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Dr. Robert Naseef shares firsthand insights into the emotional journey parents face when they learn their child has autism, emphasizing the need for support for both the child and the parents.
Understanding the differences between autism and ADHD is crucial, as their overlapping traits can create confusion in social interactions, necessitating tailored communication strategies for effective support.
Self-acceptance through the identification of autism or ADHD is vital for individuals, as it fosters empowerment and enhances the quality of life while highlighting the importance of customized support.
Deep dives
Understanding the Impact of Autism on Families
Parents often encounter profound challenges when they discover their child has autism, prompting a significant emotional journey. Dr. Robert Nassif shares his personal experience as a father of a son with autism, highlighting that many parents experience grief when their child doesn’t meet their initial expectations. This grief can lead to the need for support, not just for the child, but for the parents themselves, as they work to process their feelings and adapt their expectations. Ultimately, addressing these emotional needs is essential for parents to provide the energetic, supportive environment their children require.
Differentiating Between Autism and ADHD
While autism and ADHD share some overlapping traits, there are key differences that set them apart. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with impulsivity and spontaneity, often interrupting or changing the conversation, whereas those with autism might hyper-focus on their interests and find it difficult to engage in social exchanges appropriately. When both conditions exist together, individuals can face a tug-of-war in their attempts to navigate social interactions, leading to confusion and frustration. Understanding these distinctions helps individuals and families better tailor their strategies for support and communication.
The Importance of Self-Identification and Acceptance
Self-identifying as autistic or ADHD can be a crucial first step towards self-acceptance and understanding, especially for those who feel their challenges aren’t fully captured by existing diagnoses. Many individuals will research their experiences to validate their feelings and seek accommodations that suit their needs, enhancing their overall quality of life. While self-identification can empower individuals, formal diagnoses can also provide access to essential support and services. Acceptance is presented as a dynamic process that evolves over time, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding from society.
Social Dynamics and Connections in Autistic Adults
Autistic adults often seek connection through shared interests, engaging in activities that facilitate deeper, meaningful interactions rather than typical social gatherings. Many find camaraderie in parallel play, such as sharing gaming experiences with friends, which allows for connection without the pressures of conventional social expectations. This approach to socialization underscores the notion that autistic individuals can maintain connections through their passions, despite societal misconceptions about their preferences for isolation. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to nurture and promote these interests to aid in developing strong social ties.
Navigating the Spectrum and the Need for Tailored Support
The autism spectrum encompasses a range of support needs that require individualized approaches based on each person's unique challenges. While some individuals may need lower levels of support, they still necessitate tailored interventions to thrive, as their needs, though less visible, are not optional. Dr. Nassif argues against the simplistic classification of autism into rigid levels, asserting that every person deserves the specific support they need for optimal functioning. By recognizing the complexity of autism and tailoring support accordingly, communities can foster an inclusive environment that enables all individuals to flourish.
In this episode of the I Have ADHD podcast, I have the absolute pleasure of sitting down with autism expert and clinician Dr. Robert Naseef to explore the deeply personal and complex relationship between autism and ADHD. Together, we reflect on the key differences between these two neurodivergent identities while celebrating the importance of self-acceptance and understanding.
We also touch on AuDHD, the experience of having both ADHD and autism—a dual diagnosis that is more common than many people realize. We explore what it looks like in real life, how it can be misunderstood, and why recognition of this intersection is so important.
Dr. Naseef shares his powerful journey as a father of a child with autism, and we talk about what it really means to support parents who are walking a similar path.
Our conversation touches on the primary traits of autism, the unique social experiences of autistic adults, and why embracing neurodiversity is so essential.
This episode is heartfelt, hopeful, and full of validation. Whether you're parenting a neurodivergent child or navigating your own neurodivergence, I hope you walk away feeling more connected, more informed, and more empowered.
