What it means to be both autistic and ADHD
The term AuDHD is a blend of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It’s used to describe individuals who are both autistic and have ADHD — a co-occurrence that’s more common than previously thought.
Research indicates that between 30% and 80% of autistic people also meet the criteria for ADHD, and vice versa. However, for many years, clinicians were discouraged from diagnosing both conditions in the same person. Thankfully, that’s changing.
Shared traits and overlapping symptoms
While autism and ADHD are distinct diagnoses, they can overlap in many ways:
- Executive dysfunction: Trouble with organization, task initiation, and time management is common in both.
- Sensory differences: Both autistic and ADHD individuals may be hypersensitive to noise, lights, touch, or other stimuli.
- Social challenges: Individuals may struggle to read social cues, maintain eye contact, or feel out of sync in group settings.
- Emotional regulation: Both may experience intense emotions and difficulty managing them, especially under stress.
This overlap can sometimes make it harder to recognize or diagnose each condition accurately. For example, ADHD’s impulsivity might mask autism’s preference for routines, or vice versa.
Challenges of being AuDHD
Living with both autism and ADHD creates a complex mix of needs and strengths. Some common struggles include:
- Inconsistent energy levels: A person may feel hyper-focused and energetic one moment, then overwhelmed and shut down the next.
- Masking and burnout: Many AuDHD individuals learn to “mask” their traits to fit in socially or professionally, which can lead to chronic exhaustion and identity confusion.
- Delayed diagnosis: Because symptoms can cancel each other out or mimic other conditions (like anxiety or depression), many AuDHD people go undiagnosed for years — especially women and marginalized groups.
- Conflicting needs: ADHD brains often crave novelty and stimulation, while autistic brains prefer routine and predictability. Navigating this tension internally can be exhausting.
Strengths of AuDHD brains
While AuDHD comes with challenges, it also brings unique advantages, especially when environments are supportive:
- Creative problem-solving: The ADHD drive to explore + autism’s deep focus can fuel innovation.
- Strong sense of justice: Many AuDHD individuals are deeply empathetic and passionate about fairness.
- Unique perspective: Their brains are wired to think differently — and in a world that needs fresh ideas, that’s a gift.
- Hyperfocus: When working on something meaningful, AuDHD individuals can achieve incredible depth and insight.
How to support someone with AuDHD
1. Understand their needs holistically
Don't treat autism and ADHD as two separate checklists. Instead, ask: How do these traits interact in this person’s life?
2. Be flexible
Traditional work or school setups often don’t work well for AuDHD people. Offer alternative ways to communicate, plan tasks, or take breaks.
3. Reduce sensory and task overload
Use noise-canceling headphones, reduce visual clutter, break down assignments, and use visual schedules or task boards.
4. Validate and listen
People with AuDHD are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Listening without judgment can be one of the most powerful forms of support.
Final thoughts
AuDHD isn’t a diagnosis in itself — it’s a lived experience of navigating the world with traits of both autism and ADHD. While the road can be bumpy, understanding and celebrating this unique intersection of neurodivergence can lead to more compassionate communities and more inclusive systems.