AuDHD

What Is AuDHD?

The term AuDHD is becoming increasingly common – a way to describe the experience of having both ADHD and autism. But what does it really mean to live with both conditions? In this article, we explain the meaning of AuDHD, how it is identified, the challenges that may arise, and what it means for treatment and support.

What Does AuDHD Mean?

AuDHD combines the terms autism (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is not an official diagnosis, but an informal term used mainly within the neurodivergent community to describe people who meet criteria for both conditions.

Research suggests that 20–40% of autistic individuals also show ADHD symptoms. Understanding how these two conditions interact is essential, since it influences how symptoms appear and what type of support is most effective.

Why the Term “AuDHD”?

Traditionally, healthcare systems have treated autism and ADHD as separate conditions. But for many people, symptoms overlap and interact. The concept of AuDHD was created to capture this combined experience – not just autism plus ADHD, but the unique way the two conditions influence each other.

Using a combined term can:

• Increase understanding of individual needs.

• Encourage more tailored treatment strategies.

• Strengthen self-identity for those who feel they don’t fully “fit” into either diagnosis alone.

How Is AuDHD Identified?

Since AuDHD is not listed as a separate diagnosis in DSM-5 or ICD-11, autism and ADHD are assessed separately. This usually means either two assessments or a broad neurodevelopmental assessment covering both.

Signs that may suggest AuDHD include:

• Uneven cognitive profile: strong ability in some areas, alongside clear challenges in others.

• Attention difficulties influenced by sensory environment: concentration worsens in noisy or overwhelming settings.

• Struggles in social situations despite a strong desire for connection.

• Combination of impulsivity and need for structure: the pull between chaos and rigid routines.

• Heightened sensory sensitivities: which can impact focus and emotional regulation.

It is common for people with AuDHD to receive a diagnosis late, often in adolescence or adulthood, especially if they have learned to mask their difficulties.

What Does It Mean to Have Both ADHD and Autism?

Living with both conditions can be challenging because the traits may seem contradictory. It is not just a “double set” of symptoms – the conditions interact in complex ways.

Examples of interactions:

• Need for structure (autism) vs. impulsivity (ADHD): creates frustration when routines are broken by spontaneous actions.

• Selective attention (autism) vs. distractibility (ADHD): can lead to switching between hyperfocus and inability to focus at all.

• Sensory sensitivities: increase stress, making impulsivity and emotional regulation more difficult.

• Social challenges: ADHD traits like talking excessively or interrupting may combine with autistic difficulties reading social cues, causing misunderstandings and feelings of guilt.

Many describe it as the brain being pulled in two directions at once – craving both order and variety.

Why AuDHD Is Difficult to Detect

1. Symptoms can mask each other

   Autistic traits like rigidity may hide ADHD-related forgetfulness, or ADHD traits like impulsivity may be misread as autistic social difficulties.

2. Masking and compensation

   Many with AuDHD learn to mask, especially women and non-binary people. They may overperform in school, imitate social behaviours, or rely heavily on planners and lists – making difficulties less visible.

3. Separate assessment systems

   Most assessment tools focus on one condition at a time. Without experience of comorbidity, professionals may miss one diagnosis, often autism in women with ADHD. Symptoms may also be mistaken for anxiety, personality disorders, or trauma.

4. Variation across environments

   A person with AuDHD may appear organised at work but chaotic at home, or sociable in one setting but withdrawn in another. This inconsistency can confuse both families and clinicians.

Consequences of Missed Diagnosis

Without recognising AuDHD, individuals risk:

• High psychological strain and exhaustion.

• Greater risk of anxiety and depression.

• Lack of appropriate support, as healthcare may focus on one diagnosis only.

A correct, nuanced understanding of AuDHD allows for more accurate interventions and improved quality of life.

Treatment and Support for AuDHD

Support should be individualised and integrated, since standard ADHD or autism strategies alone are rarely enough.

Examples of adapted strategies:

• Flexible structure: building routines while allowing room for variation.

• Environmental adjustments: reducing sensory overload from noise, light, or clutter.

• Practical life support: help with planning, finances, or household tasks.

• Social support: assistance with understanding social cues and managing impulsive behaviours.

• Medication for ADHD: can be effective, but requires careful monitoring as autistic individuals may be more sensitive to side effects.

• Psychoeducation: learning about how ADHD and autism interact can reduce self-criticism and improve self-acceptance.

What To Do If You Suspect AuDHD

• Keep a record of everyday challenges you experience.

• Speak with a clinician experienced in both ADHD and autism.

• Request a neurodevelopmental assessment that considers both conditions.

• Seek peer support – many find it helpful to connect with others who share similar experiences.

At Nova Psykiatri, we have experience supporting individuals with complex presentations of both ADHD and autism. Contact us if you would like to learn more.