Neurodiverse Families and the Co-Occurrence of Autism and Attention Neurodivergence (ADHD): Insights from Recent Studies

Neurodiverse families often include various types of neurodivergence beyond autism. A significant 2017 study conducted by Ghirardi et al. sheds light on a crucial finding: autism (AS-ND) and attention neurodivergence (A-ND or ADHD) frequently co-occur within the same families. The study, which examined nearly 1.9 million individuals born in Sweden between 1987 and 2006, demonstrated that relatives of individuals with autism are more likely to have attention neurodivergence than individuals without such familial connections. This suggests a strong familial link between autism and attention neurodivergence, further reinforcing the understanding that neurodivergent variations often cluster within the same families.

One of the key takeaways from this research is that many autistic individuals are also diagnosed with ADHD. Despite this, it wasn't until 2013 that the American Psychiatric Association officially recognized the possibility of these two conditions co-occurring, allowing for dual diagnoses. Before this change, autistic individuals presenting with attention neurodiverence were often left with one diagnosis or the other, leaving gaps in their treatment and understanding of their neurological differences.

The 2017 study by Ghirardi et al. provided more than just clinical observations of co-aggregation; it inspired further research into the potential genetic links between autism and attention neurodivergence. This search led to a groundbreaking discovery in 2021 when Suk-ling Ma et al. identified a gene, SHANK2, that may play a key role in the overlap between these two neurodivergences. SHANK2 is thought to be a potential genetic marker underlying the co-occurrence of autism and attention neurodivergence within the same families.

The findings from these studies offer essential insights into the genetic and clinical dynamics of neurodiverse families. Not only do they demonstrate that autism and attention neurodivergence frequently co-occur, but they also highlight that while many autistic individuals may are also attention neurodivergents, this is not universally the case. The identification of SHANK2 as a potential genetic link opens new avenues for further research into the biological underpinnings of these neurodivergent variations.

Understanding the familial and genetic overlaps between autism and attention neurodivergence can help inform more personalized approaches to diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that individuals and families receive appropriate support for their unique neurodivergent profiles. As research continues to evolve, it is clear that the co-occurrence of different neurodivergences, such as autism and attention neurodivergence, is an important aspect of understanding neurodiverse family systems. By exploring these connections, we can better support individuals and families navigating the complexities of neurodivergence.

Ultimately, these studies serve as a reminder that neurodiversity is multifaceted, and families often face overlapping challenges that extend beyond a single neurological variation. The recognition and understanding of co-occurring neurodivergent qualities provide a foundation for more inclusive research, education, and interventions that reflect the true diversity of human neurology [2.1].


Resources for Further Exploration:

Read Ghirardi et al.'s 2017 study "The Familial Co-Aggregation of ASD and ADHD: A Register-Based Cohort Study" published by the Journal of Molecular Psychiatry, Feb. 2018 23(2), 257-262, doi:10.1038/mp.2017.17. Other authors: I. Brikell, R. Kuja-Halkola, C.M. Freitag, B.Franke, P. Asherson, P. Lichtenstein, and H. Larsson.

Read Suk-Ling Ma et al.'s 2021 research "Genetic Overlap Between Attention Defecit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder in SHANK2 Gene" published by Fronteirs in Neuroscience, Vol. 15, doi:10.3389/fnins.2021.649588. Other authors: Lu Hua Chen, Chi-Chiu Lee, Kelly Y. C. Lai, Se-Fong Hung, Chun-Pan Tang, Ting-Pong Ho, Caroline Shea, Flora Mo, Timothy S.H. Mak, Pak-Chung Sham, and Patrick W. L. Leung.</text>

Learn more about the SHANK2 gene.