The co-occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Investigating lived experiences of psychotherapy and sources of resilience

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) that can co-occur. This link has only been formally recognized in the past decade, as it was not until the publication of the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013 that these conditions could be diagnosed together. Although more recent research has outlined the prevalence and challenges of this co-occurrence (Hours et al., 2022), limited research has captured how adults with such dual presentations experience psychotherapy. This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of adults with co-occurring ASD and ADHD who have received psychotherapy. Five participants completed a demographics questionnaire and a 60-minute semi-structured individual interview, exploring their experiences with psychotherapy as well as sources of resilience. Interviews were analyzed using an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. Themes gathered included both positive and challenging experiences with therapy, sources of resilience, as well as participant recommendations. A total of 11 subordinate themes were identified, highlighting the importance of therapeutic alliance, individualized adaptations, and accessibility in psychotherapy for this population. Results of this study further broadens current understanding of therapeutic practices both clinically and scientifically, through better understanding lived experiences of a unique population. The findings represent an important step towards promoting future research and providing clinical guidance for neurodiversity-affirming interventions.