It often begins with subtle differences. A child who cannot sit still, another who struggles to read social cues.
For many families, these behaviors are quickly labeled and separated into different conditions, reported by Science Daily.
But emerging research suggests those distinctions may not be as clear-cut as once believed.
Rethinking diagnoses
A study by the Child Mind Institute, published in Molecular Psychiatry, indicates that autism and ADHD may be more closely linked than traditional categories suggest.
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Researchers found that the strength of autism-related traits plays a bigger role in brain development than the diagnosis itself.
The study looked at 166 children aged 6 to 12 with either autism or ADHD. Brain scans revealed similar patterns across both groups, especially in children with more pronounced autism-like characteristics.
Inside the brain
Scientists observed how key brain networks interact, particularly those responsible for social behavior and decision-making. In typical development, these connections gradually weaken as the brain specializes.
However, in children with stronger autism traits, these connections remained unusually strong.
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This suggests that brain development may follow a different path, regardless of whether a child is diagnosed with autism or ADHD.
Shared biology
The research also linked these brain patterns to gene activity involved in early brain development.
Several of these genes have previously been associated with both conditions, pointing toward a shared biological basis.
Key findings include:
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- Brain patterns relate more to symptom intensity than diagnosis
- Overlapping genetic activity across both conditions
- Differences in how brain networks mature
The findings support a shift toward understanding neurodevelopment as a spectrum, which could improve how children are assessed and supported.
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