Ever wondered why your child's ADHD medication seems to help focus but doesn't stop the meltdowns? The answer might lie in the surprising overlap between ADHD and autism that many families discover only after years of incomplete treatment.

Through Ethan's story, we explore how 30-80% of children with autism also meet criteria for ADHD, while 20-50% of children with ADHD simultaneously qualify for autism spectrum disorder. This significant overlap creates unique challenges that medication alone cannot address. When stimulants improve attention but sensory triggers, social struggles, and rigid routines persist, it signals the need for a more comprehensive approach.

At the neurological level, both conditions affect the frontal lobe—the command center for executive function, decision-making, and social communication. This explains why treating just one condition often leaves families frustrated by lingering symptoms. The holistic approach we advocate examines gut health (directly connected to brain function), sleep patterns, nutrition, sensory needs, and emotional regulation strategies. Rather than simply managing symptoms, this method targets root causes to improve overall wellbeing.

Parents, you know your child best. If you suspect there's more to your child's struggles than their current diagnosis suggests, trust your instincts and advocate persistently. Connect with teachers to observe behavioral patterns across environments, and don't stop seeking help until you find providers who listen. Remember that your child is valuable beyond any diagnostic label—they have unique strengths waiting to be discovered. Would you recognize the signs of dual diagnosis in your child? Subscribe to learn more about supporting children with overlapping neurodevelopmental conditions.

Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and check out the video version on our YouTube channel!

CONNECT WITH ME!
If you want to schedule an ADHD/Autism appointment for your child, you may contact Glow Pediatrics:

• Phone: 405-871-5807
• Fax: 949-695-2681
• info@glowpediatrics.com

🌐 Website: www.glowpediatrics.com
📱 Instagram: @drhokeheeko / @glowpediatrics
📧 dreko@glowpediatrics.com
👍 Facebook: Dr.HokeheEko / glowpediatrics
💼 LinkedIn: hokeheeffiongmd

Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and check out the video version on our YouTube channel!

CONNECT WITH ME!
If you want to schedule an ADHD/Autism appointment for your child, you may contact Glow Pediatrics:

• Phone: 405-871-5807
• Fax: 949-695-2681
• info@glowpediatrics.com

🌐 Website: www.glowpediatrics.com
📱 Instagram: @drhokeheeko / @glowpediatrics
📧 dreko@glowpediatrics.com
👍 Facebook: Dr.HokeheEko / glowpediatrics
💼 LinkedIn: hokeheeffiongmd

Our gut microbiome significantly impacts brain health, cognition, and emotional well-being for both children and adults through what functional medicine physician Dr. Maria describes as our internal "GI Joes."

• Eating diverse plant foods (aim for 30 different types weekly) supports healthy gut bacteria and brain function
• Adequate sleep, especially hours before midnight, allows microbiome restoration and cognitive recovery
• Fermented foods should be consumed daily as a separate essential food category
• Judicious use of antibiotics prevents killing beneficial gut bacteria that can't fully regenerate
• Start with small, sustainable changes rather than attempting complete lifestyle overhauls
• Outdoor time with bare feet on soil exposes you to beneficial microorganisms
• Growing herbs like rosemary provides both gut-healthy ingredients and beneficial soil contact

Connect with Dr. Maria at www.saludrevisited.com or on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and her podcast for more information on supporting your family's gut and brain health. She offers free initial consultations to determine how she can best support your health journey.

Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and check out the video version on our YouTube channel!

CONNECT WITH ME!
If you want to schedule an ADHD/Autism appointment for your child, you may contact Glow Pediatrics:

• Phone: 405-871-5807
• Fax: 949-695-2681
• info@glowpediatrics.com

🌐 Website: www.glowpediatrics.com
📱 Instagram: @drhokeheeko / @glowpediatrics
📧 dreko@glowpediatrics.com
👍 Facebook: Dr.HokeheEko / glowpediatrics
💼 LinkedIn: hokeheeffiongmd