Emotional Dysregulation in Adults with Co-occurring Autism and ADHD

Plain-language summary

Research suggests that adults with both autism and ADHD often experience significant emotional dysregulation, which means they might have more trouble managing their emotions compared to those with only one condition or neither. This can show up in different ways, like struggling with intense feelings or difficulty bouncing back after emotional upsets. While these studies highlight the presence and impact of emotional dysregulation, they don't offer specific coping mechanisms for this particular group, indicating an area where more research is needed.

Key findings

• Adults with both autism and ADHD may experience more prominent emotional dysregulation compared to those with just one of the conditions.
• Emotional dysregulation in this group can manifest as difficulties in managing intense emotions and challenges in recovering from emotional distress.
• The research indicates a connection between executive function difficulties and emotional regulation issues in individuals with autism, ADHD, and both conditions.
• Emotional dysregulation appears to be a common thread across different mental health diagnoses, not just limited to autism and ADHD.
• Some individuals with both autism and ADHD may experience what is called "maladaptive daydreaming," and this can be linked to emotional dysregulation, internalized stigma, and self-esteem issues.

Studies cited (4)

1. A systematic review on the association between executive function and emotional regulation in autism, ADHD, and autism/ADHD — Pozo-Rodríguez M, Cruz S, Conde-Pumpido-Zubizarreta S (2026, Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews, systematic-review)

   DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2026.106570

2. Emotional dysregulation as trans-nosographic psychopathological dimension in adulthood: A systematic review — Carmassi C, Conti L, Gravina D (2022, Frontiers in psychiatry, systematic-review)

   DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.900277 PMCID: PMC9464828

3. Autism spectrum traits in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a hidden multifaceted phenotype marked by affective comorbidity, emotional dysregulation, and chronobiological disturbances — Brancati GE, De Rosa U, Magnesa A (2025, European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience, other)

   DOI: 10.1007/s00406-025-02114-9

4. The Daydream Spectrum: The Role of Emotional Dysregulation, Internalized Stigma and Self-Esteem in Maladaptive Daydreaming Among Adults With ADHD, ASD, and Double Diagnosis — Pyszkowska A, Nowacki A, Celban J (2025, Journal of attention disorders, other)

   DOI: 10.1177/10870547241290901