ADHD and Autism Support in Florida: Questions & Answers for Families

ADHD and autism can make family life feel stressful. You may feel worried, confused, or tired. You may have lots of questions about your child (or yourself).

You are not alone. And help can work.

At Sunset Behavioral Health, we support Florida families with warm, evidence-based telehealth care. That means real help from home—no long drives and no busy waiting rooms.

Below are common questions we hear. The answers are simple, clear, and based on what research shows helps most.

Q: What is ADHD?

A: ADHD means Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It affects attention, energy, and self-control. It is not caused by “bad parenting,” laziness, or a child “being difficult.”

ADHD can show up in kids, teens, and adults.

Q: What are common ADHD signs?

A: ADHD can look different from person to person. Many families notice:

• Hard time paying attention

• Easy to get distracted

• Forgetting things a lot

• Trouble sitting still

• Talking a lot or interrupting

• Losing items (like homework, keys, or toys)

• Acting fast without thinking first

If you want to see more signs we can help with, visit our Symptoms we treat page.

Q: What is autism?

A: Autism is also called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It affects how a person communicates, connects with others, and handles sights, sounds, and change.

It is called a “spectrum” because people with autism can have different strengths and different support needs.

Q: What are common autism signs?

A: Many families notice:

• Trouble with social cues (like taking turns in a talk)

• Preferring routines and getting upset with changes

• Strong interest in certain topics or activities

• Sensitivity to sound, light, or touch

• Difficulty with eye contact (or using it differently)

• Repeating words or movements

Autism is not a disease. It is a different way the brain works. With the right support, many people with autism learn skills, build confidence, and thrive.

Q: Can someone have both ADHD and autism?

A: Yes. Many people have both.

When someone has ADHD and autism, they may struggle with focus and also struggle with social or sensory stress. A clear evaluation helps because it guides the right plan.

How Common Is It to Have Both ADHD and Autism?

✔ About 30–50% of people with autism also have ADHD.
Multiple studies show that ADHD symptoms are very common among autistic individuals.

✔ About 20–30% of people diagnosed with ADHD also meet criteria for autism.
This reflects the bidirectional overlap seen in clinical and population studies.

So if you think about the population this way:

• Autism group: ~30–50% also have ADHD

• ADHD group: ~20–30% also have autism

Q: How can ADHD and autism affect daily life at home and school?

A: ADHD and autism can make daily tasks harder. This can show up in different ways at different ages.

Q: What might it look like in kids?

A:

• School feels hard or frustrating

• Big feelings and meltdowns

• Trouble following directions

• Friendship struggles

Q: What might it look like in teens?

A:

• Homework feels overwhelming

• Social stress feels intense

• Low confidence

• Sleep problems

Q: What might it look like in adults?

A:

• Time management problems

• Work tasks feel scattered

• Relationship stress

• Feeling anxious or down

These struggles are real. But there is hope. With the right support, many families feel calmer, more organized, and more connected.

Q: How does telehealth help Florida families with ADHD and autism?

A: Telehealth means you meet with your provider by video. You can get care from home.

This can be a great fit for ADHD and autism support, especially when leaving the house is hard or stressful.

Q: What are the benefits of telehealth?

A:

• Comfort: Stay in a familiar space

• Convenience: No drive time

• Access: Get care anywhere in Florida

• Less stress: Avoid loud, crowded offices

At Sunset Behavioral Health, our visits are warm, clear, and step-by-step.

Q: What treatments are evidence-based for ADHD and autism?

A: “Evidence-based” means research shows it helps.

We do not use one-size-fits-all care. We listen first. Then we build a plan that fits your family.

Q: What can help with ADHD?

A:

• Medication (for some people) to help with focus and impulse control

• ABA- Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy and skill-building to help with routines, emotions, and behavior

• Parent support and coaching (for kids)

• School support ideas you can share with teachers

Q: What can help with autism?

A:

• Therapy to build communication and social skills

• Support for big feelings and anxiety

• Help with sensory needs and daily routines

• Family guidance and support

We also use a holistic approach. That means we look at sleep, stress, nutrition, and family life too—because all of it matters.

Q: Who will I work with at Sunset Behavioral Health?

A: You will work with a provider who listens and cares.

Luisa Garcia is our dual-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has over 13 years of experience helping children, teens, and adults. She also offers care in English and Spanish.

Luisa helps families understand what is going on and what to do next—step by step.

Learn more about Luisa Garcia APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC.

Q: What should I expect at the first visit?

A: Your first visit is a calm talk. There is no judgment. We go at your pace.

Q: What happens during the visit?

A:

1. Share your story. Tell us what you are seeing and what is hard right now.

2. Answer a few questions. This helps us understand symptoms and needs.

3. Review options. We talk about the next best steps.

4. Leave with a plan. You will know what happens next.

Want a simple walkthrough before you start? Read What to expect

Q: Do you accept insurance?

A: Yes. We accept many insurance plans. We want care to feel possible for Florida families.

Check our insurances accepted page. If you are not sure, reach out and we will help you check.

Q: How soon can we be seen?

A: Appointments are often available within 48 hours.

When your child is struggling, waiting weeks can feel awful. We work hard to get you support fast.

Q: What is the next step?

A: Take one small step today. Get answers. Get a plan. Feel hopeful again.

👉 Book on Google Meets for your free 15-minute consultation with Luisa Garcia.

Appointments are often available within 48 hours. Let’s help your family feel steadier, calmer, and more confident.

Contact Sunset Behavioral Health

• Website: www.sbhmind.com

• Book on Google Meets

• Learn more about signs and symptoms here: Symptoms we treat

• New to care and want to know the steps? Read: What to expect

• Ready to reach out? Use our Contact Us page and we’ll help you take the next step.

Sunset Behavioral Health provides compassionate virtual mental health care throughout Florida. We serve children, teens, and adults. Spanish services are also available. Visit sbhmind.com to learn more.