"What is going on for my child

Understanding ADHD & Autism Without the Panic

Let’s just clear the air first: If your child has been described as intense, sensitive, scattered, too loud, too quiet, hyper-focused, totally distracted, or like they live in their own little universe... it might be time to talk about two common neurodevelopmental differences: ADHD and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

Now before we go into panic mode and start Googling “wtf is asd,” let’s reframe: These are not life sentences.

They’re brain-based ways of being, and with understanding and the right support, these individuals often grow into the adults who literally change the world.

But first — what are we actually talking about?

ADHD & Autism: What They Are (and Aren’t)

ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder — though honestly, it should be called Interest Regulation Disorder, because the issue isn’t a lack of attention. It’s that attention is like a high-speed train — off the tracks for boring stuff, laser-locked for things they love (aka Minecraft, dinosaurs, NRL, electricity, musicals or slime videos).

ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a broad neurodevelopmental condition that affects social communication, sensory processing, and behavioural flexibility. It often comes with passionate interests, literal thinking, sensory sensitivities, and the need for structure or sameness.

What they both share:

• Differences in executive functioning (planning, organising, flexible thinking)

• Emotional dysregulation — those “big feelings” aren’t drama, they’re neurobiology

• Sensory sensitivities or intense preferences

• Strong links to genetics and early brain development

Why So Many More Diagnoses?

Are We Just Labelling Everyone?

It’s a fair question—and one I hear a lot.

Yes, we’re diagnosing more kids today. But not because they’re “weaker” or parents are “softer.” It’s because we now have better awareness, updated diagnostic criteria, and a more inclusive understanding of how these conditions show up (especially in girls, who’ve historically flown under the radar).

Also? Life has changed. We’re raising kids in a world with more screens, more social complexity, less outdoor play, more sensory overload, and higher academic demands earlier than ever before (don't get me started on that last one).

These don't cause ADHD or autism, but can amplify symptoms in children already wired that way.

Research shows that ADHD and ASD are highly heritable—meaning they tend to run in families (Thapar et al., 2013; Ghirardi et al., 2018).

So if you’ve ever thought, “They’re just like I was as a kid, but more intense,”… you’re probably not wrong. And that’s not a failure. It’s information. And information is powerful.

The Brain Chemistry of It All

Let’s get a little neurological for a sec.

In both ADHD and ASD, research suggests there are differences in the dopamine and norepinephrine systems—these are brain chemicals that affect motivation, attention, mood, and reward. Think of them as the brain’s fuel for “get up and go” and “stay focused and cope.”

• In ADHD, dopamine transmission is often low in the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for planning, focus, and inhibition (Arnsten & Rubia, 2012).

• In ASD, there's growing evidence of atypical neural connectivity — some areas are overconnected, others under connected — leading to uneven skill development and sensory processing differences (Uddin et al., 2013).

  
  

Medication can help by improving the availability or sensitivity to these brain chemicals. For example:

• Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) or dexamphetamine (Vyvanse) boost dopamine and norepinephrine in ADHD brains, often improving focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation.

• In ASD, medication isn’t a cure, but can help manage co-occurring issues like anxiety, sleep difficulties, or severe irritability.

Why Diagnosis Isn’t a Label — It’s a Map

A diagnosis isn’t about boxing a child in. It’s about understanding what they need.

When you know your child has ADHD or autism, you stop expecting them to function like a child who doesn’t. That shifts everything — from parenting and schooling to friendships and future planning.

It opens access to:

• Therapies that actually work (OT, psychology, speech, behavioural support)

• Accommodations at school

• Funding and services (e.g., NDIS in Australia)

• And most importantly: self-understanding and family compassion

So... What Do We Do?

First—breathe. Then get curious.

These kids aren’t here to fit in perfectly. They’re here to bring something new. Whether they hyperfocus on jellyfish or coding, build Lego universes or recite every Pokémon or AFL stat — those special interests are not distractions. They’re pathways to learning, connection, and even purpose.

Famous individuals with ADHD or ASD traits include:

• Temple Grandin – revolutionised humane livestock handling

• Greta Thunberg – environmental activist with autism

• Michael Phelps – Olympic swimmer with ADHD

• Steve Jobs, Mozart, and even Einstein are speculated to have had neurodivergent traits

• There are even some film directors, actors, musicians and entertainers who are proudly neurodivergent.

  
  

These aren’t cautionary tales. They’re catalysts for what’s possible when we nurture difference.

Let’s Raise Real Humans, Not Perfect Ones.

At Fresh Air Psychology & Consulting, we don’t pathologise childhood. We understand that these brains can be wild, wired, and wonderful — all at once. My job isn’t to “fix” you or your child. It’s to help you understand their blueprint—and your own—so you can thrive together.

Because maybe the best outcomes don’t come from pushing kids to be less them, but from helping them become more fully themselves — with the right support, tools, and love.

References:

• Thapar, A., Cooper, M., Eyre, O., & Langley, K. (2013). What have we learnt about the causes of ADHD? Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 54(1), 3–16.

• Ghirardi, L., et al. (2018). The familial co-aggregation of ASD and ADHD. JAMA Psychiatry, 75(4), 339–347.

• Arnsten, A. F., & Rubia, K. (2012). Neurobiological circuits regulating attention, cognitive control, motivation, and emotion: disruptions in neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 51(4), 356–367.

• Uddin, L. Q., et al. (2013). Reconceptualizing functional brain connectivity in autism. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 17(12), 646–654.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Data and Statistics on ADHD