AS and ADHD

[Tiggles]

Earlier this week I got the results of DS1 (8) tests for AS. He scored very highly in all aspects of the questionnaire and ADOS tests so definitely has ASD/AS. However I was incredibly shocked when it was also suggested that it had been observed in school and in the ADOS tests that he struggles with attention and activity levels, and they think he should be tested for ADHD. It was pointed out that these may not be ADHD but just him struggling with high levels of anxiety, but they would like me to decide if he should be tested. I am not sure what to do, so they have said to let them know at a later date.
I had never really considered that he had ADHD, but he does have concentration issues, I had just put them down to the suspected AS. Really not sure what to do. I think I have read on here that ADHD is often co-morbid with ASD? Is there any more help available if he has both?

Oh and thanks to the people who replied to my earlier thread about DS2, and whether he has ASD symptoms. He is going to be referred for testing too.

My DS had some ADHD symptoms but was given a diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome. There is quite a lot of overlap between the two and we have managed with just the one diagnosis.(He is 16 now.)
It depends whether your child will benefit from having a dual diagnosis in terms of provision for his needs. If you think he will, then ask for assessment. If not, leave it for the time being. You can always ask later.

To me, the main advantage of an adhd diagnosis is the option to see if meds help. The behavioural management and general helpful tactics for asd will help 95% of adhd symptoms too. I suppose the other point would be to highlight the other symptoms to school: "yes, he has impulsivity hyperactivity and inattentiveness as well as the social interaction / social communication /social imagination difficulties and the sensory issues, pleae work on all of them".

Our DS is 9 and we have our final appointment in the diagnosis process this coming week - have been advised to expect ASD/AS and ADHD.

Like you we had been surprised by the suggestion of the latter as it had not occurred to us, but filling in the questionnaire and seeing what school also wrote, it does make a lot of sense. I think there is an 'inattentive' type, and I realise I have a sterotyped idea of what ADHD is without really knowing the facts.
Can't post much more about it until we receive the report, but will do when we get the full feedback and understand it all a bit better. Maria's answer helps a lot (though I am a bit scared of the meds idea at the moment).

Thanks :)

DS1 has a dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD. He hasn't had more help since the diagnosis, but it has been much more informed help. He is also being treated for his ADHD and that in itself has helped him a lot.