Tourette’s and Coexisting Conditions: Understanding Links with ADHD, OCD, and Autism

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Here’s something rarely discussed in mainstream conversations about Tourette’s: most people with this neurotype don’t experience it in isolation.

Research shows that up to 85% of people with Tourette’s Syndrome also have at least one other neurodivergent condition—most commonly ADHD, OCD, or autism. For many, their neurodivergent profile includes two, three, or even more overlapping neurotypes.

This isn’t a coincidence. It’s not bad luck. And it’s certainly not a sign that something is “extra wrong.” It’s neurodivergence—the reality that brains develop in diverse, interconnected ways that don’t fit neat diagnostic boxes.

Understanding why these conditions overlap, how they interact, and what strengths emerge from multiply neurodivergent identities is essential for anyone navigating this experience—or supporting someone who is.

Why Do These Conditions Overlap? Understanding Neurodivergent Clustering

The overlap between Tourette’s, ADHD, OCD, and autism isn’t random. It reflects shared neurological foundations—similar brain differences that express themselves in diverse ways.

Shared Neurological Roots

Recent genetic research has identified common genetic variants that increase the likelihood of developing multiple neurodivergent conditions. A 2024 study published in The Transmitter found that Tourette’s, ADHD, and autism share overlapping genetic markers, particularly those affecting:

• Dopamine regulation — how the brain processes reward, motivation, and movement
• Neural connectivity — the pathways between different brain regions
• Executive function — planning, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility
• Sensory processing — how the brain interprets and responds to sensory input

These aren’t separate “disorders” randomly occurring together—they’re interconnected expressions of neurodivergent brain development.

The “Spiky Profile” Reality

Many neurodivergent people describe having a “spiky profile”—areas of exceptional ability alongside areas of challenge, with co-occurring conditions creating a unique constellation of traits.

For example, someone with Tourette’s and ADHD might experience:

• ✅ Strengths: Creative problem-solving, hyperfocus on interests, rapid pattern recognition
• 🧩 Environmental Barriers: Time management, sustained attention on non-preferred tasks, sensory overwhelm

This isn’t about deficits. It’s about recognising that neurodivergent brains work differently across multiple dimensions.

Why “Comorbidity” Is the Wrong Word

You’ll often see terms like “comorbidity” or “comorbid conditions” in medical literature. We avoid this language because:

• It implies that one condition is the “primary” problem and others are add-ons
• It reinforces a disease model rather than recognising neurodiversity
• It centres deficit rather than acknowledging strengths

Instead, we talk about co-occurring conditions, multiply neurodivergent identities, or overlapping neurotypes. These terms honour the reality that each neurotype is part of the whole person.

Tourette’s and ADHD: The Most Common Overlap

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) co-occurs with Tourette’s in 50-60% of people. In fact, for many people, ADHD has a greater daily impact than tics themselves.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, focus, impulse control, and energy regulation. It’s characterized by:

• Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus, distractibility, time blindness
• Hyperactivity: Restlessness, constant movement, difficulty with stillness
• Impulsivity: Acting before thinking, interrupting, risk-taking

Learn more about ADHD

How Tourette’s and ADHD Interact

When someone has both Tourette’s and ADHD, the neurotypes can interact in complex ways:

Overlapping Traits:

• Impulsivity — Both conditions involve difficulty inhibiting responses
• Sensory sensitivity — Heightened awareness of premonitory urges (Tourette’s) and sensory overwhelm (ADHD)
• Executive function challenges — Planning, organising, and task initiation can be affected by both
• Movement differences — Tics (Tourette’s) and fidgeting/restlessness (ADHD) both involve motor expression

Distinct Differences:

• ADHD affects sustained attention and focus broadly; Tourette’s doesn’t
• Tics are involuntary and preceded by premonitory urges; ADHD fidgeting is more voluntary
• ADHD involves time blindness and working memory challenges; Tourette’s alone typically doesn’t

Compounding Strengths:

• Hyperfocus meets passion — ADHD hyperfocus can fuel deep engagement in areas of interest
• Creative, non-linear thinking — Both neurotypes support innovative problem-solving
• Resilience — Navigating two neurodivergent conditions builds exceptional adaptability

What This Means for Support

When someone has both Tourette’s and ADHD, support must address both neurotypes holistically:

• Accommodations for attention regulation — Breaking tasks into smaller chunks, using timers, environmental modifications
• Movement-friendly environments — Spaces where both tics and fidgeting are accepted
• Medication considerations — Some ADHD medications can affect tics (both increasing or decreasing them), requiring careful monitoring
• Executive function tools — Visual schedules, reminders, body doubling, accountability structures

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Tourette’s and OCD: Overlapping Yet Distinct

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) affects 30-50% of people with Tourette’s, and the relationship between the two is particularly nuanced.

What Is OCD?

OCD involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety or prevent feared outcomes. Common themes include:

• Contamination fears — Excessive washing or avoidance
• Harm obsessions — Intrusive thoughts about causing harm (despite no desire to do so)
• Symmetry/order — Need for things to be “just right”
• Checking — Repeatedly verifying locks, switches, or safety

Learn more about OCD

The Tourette’s-OCD Overlap

Here’s where it gets complex: tics and compulsions can look similar but feel different.

How They’re Similar:

• Both involve repetitive behaviours
• Both can be preceded by an uncomfortable feeling or urge
• Both can temporarily reduce distress when performed
• Both can be situation-specific (worse in certain environments)

How They’re Different:

In Practice:

Someone with both Tourette’s and OCD might:

• Have tics (e.g., blinking) that are purely motor-driven
• Have OCD compulsions (e.g., checking the door lock 10 times) driven by fear
• Have tic-like compulsions — behaviours that blur the line, like needing to touch something “just right”

Supporting Both Neurotypes

• Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT) — Evidence-based for Tourette’s
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — Gold standard for OCD
• Understanding which is which — This matters for choosing appropriate therapeutic approaches
• Neurodivergent-affirming therapy — Avoiding shame-based or compliance-focused methods

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Tourette’s and Autism: Shared Traits and Sensory Connections

The overlap between Tourette’s and autism is increasingly recognised, though exact prevalence is harder to pinpoint because autism itself is underdiagnosed (especially in women and non-stereotypical presentations).

What Is Autism?

Autism is a neurotype characterized by differences in social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of behaviour/interests. Autistic people often experience:

• Social communication differences — Interpreting social cues, navigating unwritten rules
• Sensory processing differences — Heightened or reduced sensitivity to sounds, textures, lights, etc.
• Pattern-based thinking — Strong systemizing, routine preference, deep focus on interests
• Stimming — Self-regulating movements (hand-flapping, rocking, etc.)

Learn more about autism

How Tourette’s and Autism Intersect

Shared Experiences:

1. Sensory Processing Differences

• Both neurotypes involve heightened sensory awareness
• Premonitory urges in Tourette’s share similarities with sensory overwhelm in autism
• Both may involve sensory seeking or sensory avoidance

2. Movement Differences

• Autistic stimming (e.g., hand-flapping for regulation) vs. Tourette’s tics (e.g., involuntary movements)
• Both are valid forms of neurological expression
• Suppressing either can be exhausting and harmful

3. Social Navigation Challenges

• Tics can make social situations unpredictable (Tourette’s)
• Social communication differences add another layer (autism)
• Combined: navigating judgmental neurotypical spaces becomes doubly complex

4. Routine and Predictability

• Autistic people often thrive on routine
• Tourette’s tics can be unpredictable, disrupting routine
• This tension requires adaptive strategies

Distinguishing Tics from Stims

This is a common question:

However: Some people experience movements that blur these lines—and that’s okay. Labels exist to help understanding, not to police experiences.

Support for Tourette’s and Autism Together

• Sensory accommodations — Quiet spaces, predictable environments, sensory tools
• Movement-affirming spaces — Where both tics and stims are accepted
• Clear communication — Direct language, explicit expectations
• Honouring both neurotypes — Not forcing masking or suppression of either

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Living with Multiple Neurodivergent Conditions: The Whole Is Greater Than the Sum

Being multiply neurodivergent isn’t about “having more wrong with you.” It’s about having a complex, rich neurological profile.

The Strengths of Overlapping Neurotypes

Resilience and Self-Knowledge:

• Navigating multiple neurotypes builds deep self-awareness
• You learn to advocate fiercely for your needs
• You develop creative coping strategies that work for YOU

Neurodivergent Community:

• You find kinship in multiple neurodivergent spaces
• Your experience bridges communities
• You challenge single-diagnosis narratives

Unique Perspective:

• Your brain processes information in ways neurotypical people can’t imagine
• You see solutions others miss
• Your lived experience is invaluable to research, advocacy, and inclusion work

The Challenges Are Real Too

Navigating Healthcare:

• Doctors often focus on one condition and miss others
• Treatments for one neurotype may affect another (e.g., ADHD meds impacting tics)
• Accessing support for multiple conditions can be administratively exhausting

Energy Management:

• Masking tics (Tourette’s) + masking autism + managing ADHD executive function = energy drain
• Burnout risk is higher when juggling multiple neurodivergent needs
• Rest and capacity-based living become essential

Social Misunderstanding:

• People struggle to understand one neurotype—let alone three
• “You don’t seem autistic/ADHD/Tourette’s” invalidates your reality
• Intersectional neurodivergence is still poorly understood

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Support and Diagnosis: Getting the Full Picture

Why Comprehensive Assessment Matters

If you suspect you have Tourette’s plus other neurodivergent conditions, comprehensive assessment is crucial:

• Screen for all commonly co-occurring conditions — Don’t just assess Tourette’s in isolation
• Explore the intersections — How do your neurotypes interact and affect each other?
• Understand your strengths — Not just “what’s wrong,” but what you bring
• Access appropriate accommodations — Workplace, educational, and healthcare support

Self-Identification Is Valid

You don’t need professional diagnosis to understand yourself. Many people:

• Self-identify based on lived experience and community connection
• Use neurodivergent frameworks to access strategies and accommodations
• Build self-acceptance without medical gatekeeping

Professional diagnosis can be helpful for accessing certain supports—but your experience is real regardless.

Finding Neuroaffirming Support

Look for:

• ✅ Clinicians who understand neurodiversity (not just “treat” it)
• ✅ Therapists who honour all your neurotypes
• ✅ Support groups for multiply neurodivergent people
• ✅ Community spaces (online and in-person) where you’re not expected to mask

Avoid:

• ❌ Providers focused solely on compliance or “normalisation”
• ❌ Treatments that suppress one neurotype at the cost of another
• ❌ Gatekeeping or dismissal of your self-knowledge

Conclusion: Multiply Neurodivergent and Whole

Having Tourette’s alongside ADHD, OCD, autism, or other neurodivergent conditions doesn’t make you “broken” or “complicated.” It makes you neurodivergent—and that’s a valid, valuable way to be human.

The overlap between these conditions isn’t coincidence; it’s neurobiology. The challenges you face aren’t personal failings; they’re the result of navigating a world designed for neurotypical brains. And the strengths you bring—resilience, creativity, deep empathy, unique perspectives—are real and valuable.

What You Can Do Next

If you’re multiply neurodivergent:

• Connect with others who share your experience
• Explore each aspect of your neurodivergent profile with curiosity, not shame
• Build support systems that honour ALL of your neurotypes
• Remember: you’re not too much, too complicated, or too anything. You’re whole.

If you’re supporting someone who is multiply neurodivergent:

• Listen to their lived experience without trying to “fix” them
• Understand that support for one neurotype must consider the others
• Advocate for accommodations that address their full profile
• Challenge systems that expect conformity and punish difference

Resources and Further Support

Learn More About Each Neurotype:

• What is Tourette’s Syndrome?
• What is ADHD?
• What is Autism?
• What is OCD?

UK Organisations:

• Tourettes Action — Support and advocacy for Tourette’s
• OCD Action — OCD resources and community

Research:

• The Transmitter: Common Variants Link Autism, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome

Creating neuroinclusive workplaces means understanding the full complexity of neurodivergent experiences—including multiply neurodivergent identities.

At Exceptional Individuals, our team (80% neurodivergent) delivers training that goes beyond single-diagnosis awareness to address real, intersectional neurodivergent experiences.

We can help you:

• Understand multiply neurodivergent employees’ needs
• Build accommodations that support complex profiles
• Train leaders in neurodiversity-affirming practices
• Create cultures where ALL neurodivergent people thrive

Book a free consultation | Explore our training services

References

• Martino, D., Ganos, C., & Pringsheim, T. M. (2017). Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorders: the clinical spectrum beyond tics. International Review of Neurobiology, 134, 1461-1490. Studies indicate that only 10-15% of people with Tourette’s present with tics alone; the remaining 85-90% experience co-occurring conditions such as ADHD (50-60%), OCD (30-50%), and autism spectrum disorder (up to 20%).

• Yu, D., et al. (2021). Investigating Shared Genetic Basis Across Tourette Syndrome and Comorbid Neurodevelopmental Disorders Along the Impulsivity-Compulsivity Spectrum. Biological Psychiatry, 90(7), 491-504. The study analysed data from 93,294 individuals and identified common genetic factors connecting these conditions. ↩

• Robertson, M. M. (2015). A personal 35 year perspective on Gilles de la Tourette syndrome: prevalence, phenomenology, comorbidities, and coexistent psychopathologies. The Lancet Psychiatry, 2(1), 68-87.

• Hirschtritt, M. E., et al. (2015). Lifetime prevalence, age of risk, and genetic relationships of comorbid psychiatric disorders in Tourette syndrome. JAMA Psychiatry, 72(4), 325-333.