Common Co-Diagnoses in Neurodivergent Identities
Embracing Complexity
Neurodivergence is not a single story; it is a wide, rich spectrum of thinking, feeling, and experiencing the world. Many individuals live with more than one diagnosis—ADHD, autism, Tourette’s, or learning differences may co‑occur with anxiety, depression, or other health conditions. These layered experiences highlight the complexity and adaptability of neurodivergent brains.
Recognizing these co‑occurring conditions honors resilience and supports more nuanced, compassionate care.
ADHD and Its Common Partners
Anxiety often reflects heightened sensitivity to the environment; with support, that sensitivity becomes empathic awareness.
Depression may arise from systemic misunderstanding; yet many neurodivergent individuals cultivate profound creativity, problem-solving, or deep empathy.
Learning Differences such as dyslexia and dyscalculia often come alongside ADHD, fostering innovative, multi‑sensory learning styles.
Substance Use Challenges likely reflect attempts at regulation; when ADHD is understood and supported, such risk decreases significantly.
Strengths Snapshot: creativity, hyperfocus, quick pattern recognition, and attuned environment awareness.
Autism and Its Common Partners
Anxiety can emerge from sensing overstimulation; likewise, that sensitivity can become an internal strength of nuanced perception.
Depression may stem from masking or alienation; yet it also invites journeys toward authenticity and emotional clarity.
ADHD often melds with autism—bringing complex energy, evolving focus, and passionate interests.
Health Conditions (like Epilepsy)—recognizing and addressing physical needs supports whole-body care as part of neurodivergent identity.
Strengths Snapshot: detail awareness, honesty, intensity of focus, and innovative problem-solving.
Other Neurodivergent Identities
Tourette Syndrome may include movement or vocal tics; many develop humor, resilience, and creativity through navigating misunderstanding.
OCD Traits can overlap with ADHD or autism, reflecting persistence, care, and meticulousness.
Sensory Processing Differences invite vivid perception; textures, sounds, and light that feel intense can also open pathways to deep appreciation.
Strengths Snapshot: persistence, adaptability, multisensory connection, and creative insight.
What This Means for Healing
Holding multiple diagnoses does not mean brokenness; it means depth. Each aspect of your nervous system has history and capacity. When therapy embraces this complexity, healing becomes more personalized and effective.
Somatic-informed approaches like EMDR, Brainspotting, or mindfulness support embodiment and regulation, along with identity-informed care.
Quote: “Co‑occurring conditions don’t erase strengths; they invite us to see the full, multidimensional picture of a person’s life.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to have more than one diagnosis?
Yes. Neurodivergent individuals often experience overlapping conditions; it reflects depth and diversity, not flaw.
How can I distinguish between ADHD and anxiety?
A neuro-affirming therapist can support you in gently exploring patterns—and together, identify strategies that honor all parts of your experience.
What supports can help?
Therapies that respect the nervous system (EMDR, Brainspotting, mindfulness), along with accommodations and community, create space for healing and thriving.
References
De Domenico, C., et al. (2025). Children and Adolescents with Co‑Occurring Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(11):4000.
Leech, K., Stapleton, P., & Patching, A. (2024). A Roadmap to Understanding Interoceptive Awareness and Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Scoping Review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15:1355442.
Tomaszewski, C., et al. (2023). Impact of Dance/Movement Therapy on Adults with Psychological Trauma: A Systematic Review. Journal of Traumatic Stress.
Nicholson, T. R. (2025). Interoceptive Awareness and Trauma Recovery: Implications for Resilience and Self‑Regulation. Healthcare, 13(11):1258.
Stapleton, P. (2023). Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Meta‑Analyses for Trauma and Anxiety. Frontiers in Psychology, 1145286.
