ADHD vs Autism: What’s the Difference? A Mum’s Guide to Neurospicy Brains

 ADHD vs Autism: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever sat there Googling “Is it ADHD? Autism? Both? Or am I just quirky and tired?” — welcome to the club, love. I’ve been there at 3am, snack in hand, deep diving Reddit. Spoiler: brains are messy.



 I’m pretty sure I’m ADHD too — not officially diagnosed (yet!), but let’s just say the impulse buys, lost keys and half-filled planners don’t lie.

Over time, I’ve realised having that label doesn’t mean there’s something “wrong” — it just means I know what tools help: planners, lists, visual schedules, timers — all the things that make my brain less chaotic and help me actually prepare for life’s curveballs.

Here’s the deal in plain English: ADHD and Autism are both neurodevelopmental conditions — fancy words for your brain’s wiring came pre-installed a bit different. They can overlap, but they’re not the same. So here’s your easy, no-jargon, mum-to-mum breakdown.

🔍 What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is basically a brain that LOVES novelty but gets bored faster than a toddler at the post office.

  • ✅ Gets distracted easily — SQUIRREL!

  • ✅ Fidgety, restless, always on the move.

  • ✅ Forgets mid-task but starts six new ones.

  • ✅ Hyperfocuses on fun stuff for hours.

  • ✅ Impulse buys weird gadgets at 2am. (We’ve all done it.)

🧩 What is Autism?

Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is more about how you process the world — sensory stuff, social rules, and how change feels.

  • ✅ Loves structure & routine — surprise plans = meltdown risk.

  • ✅ Hyperfocus too — but on special interests. Deep dives galore.

  • ✅ Sensitive to lights, noises, tags — sensory overload central.

  • ✅ Social stuff can feel like translating alien code.

  • ✅ Arrives 30 mins early. Routine is life.

🌈 Can You Have Both?

OH YES. Loads do! It’s called AuDHD — ADHD + Autism living in one spicy brain.
One side wants a colour-coded planner, the other wants chaos.
One says “Stick to the plan!” the other says “Let’s buy a hamster at midnight!” — it’s fine, we’re fine. 😂

💡 Why Bother Knowing?

Knowing your wiring means you stop fighting it. ADHD? Timers, snacks, short bursts. Autism? Routines, visuals, calm corners. Knowing the difference helps you help yourself — and your kids — with real tools that work.

🪐 Need Real-Life Chaos Helpers?

I’ve made Funny Mum Stickers, Printable Talk Cards, and Sensory Calm Kits for meltdown moments, snack bribes and planner panic.
No shame, no guilt — just chaos-friendly tools from a mum who lives it.
👉 Grab your calm kit or meltdown stickers in my Etsy Shop here.  Lots of parents have swore by these printables so keep an eye out for more on the way as requested!


Comment below and be sure to check out our other popular blog post! xx


SURVIVING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS

THE SENSORY PARENT JOURNAL I DIDN'T KNOW I NEEDED!

SENSORY BREAKS ARE NOT A REWARD!

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