Parents ask me this all the time, often with a mix of curiosity and exhaustion: “Why does my autistic child have so much energy?”
It’s a great question—and the answer is more nuanced than people expect. High energy in autistic kids isn’t random or “too much.” In many cases, it serves a purpose.
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Is high energy common in autistic children?
Yes. Many autistic children use movement to regulate their bodies, process information, or express emotions.
Does high energy mean my child has ADHD too?
Not necessarily. While ADHD can co-occur with autism, high energy alone isn’t enough to indicate ADHD.
Should I try to reduce my child’s energy?
Usually no. It’s more effective to understand why the energy is there and provide healthy ways for your child to use it.
Sources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5738931/
- https://www.autistica.org.uk/what-is-autism/adhd-and-autism
- https://www.columbiadoctors.org/treatments-conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-autism-spectrum-disorder-and-learning-disabilities-pediatric
- https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/hyperactive-energetic-enthusiastic-supporting-reframe/
- https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/autism-catastrophising







