How do psychiatrists avoid misdiagnosing ADHD in autistic adults?

Clinicians spend a lot of time on developmental history, sensory patterns, social communication, and motivation. While ADHD and autism share executive function challenges, the reasons behind behaviors often differ. For example, attention difficulties in autism may be linked to sensory overload or rigidity, while ADHD is more about regulation and variability. Good assessments look at patterns across environments and over time rather than isolated traits. Misdiagnosis happens when evaluations are rushed. Careful, comprehensive assessment helps untangle overlap without forcing people into a single box.