AuDHD is a term used to describe individuals who have both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These are two separate neurodevelopmental conditions, but when they occur together, they create a unique blend of challenges and strengths.
For a long time, doctors didn’t diagnose autism and ADHD in the same person. It wasn’t until 2013, with the release of the DSM-5, that professionals could officially recognize both conditions co-occurring [1]. Since then, awareness of AuDHD has grown, and more people are realizing they may fit into this category.
If you or someone you know struggles with focus, impulse control, sensory sensitivities, and social interactions, while also having deep interests and moments of hyperfocus, you might be experiencing AuDHD.
Let’s break it down.
What Does AuDHD Look Like?
When someone has both autism and ADHD, they may experience a mix of symptoms from both conditions. This can create contradictory traits, making it hard to identify. Here’s what that might look like in daily life [2]:
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Craving routine but also getting easily bored and seeking new experiences.
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Focusing intensely on a favorite interest but struggling to pay attention to everyday tasks.
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Wanting social interaction but finding it overwhelming or difficult to navigate.
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Feeling restless and impulsive but also needing structure and predictability.
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Experiencing sensory overload but still seeking sensory stimulation at times.
Since every individual experiences AuDHD differently, symptoms can vary based on personality, environment, and coping mechanisms.
How Are Autism and ADHD Similar?
Although autism and ADHD are distinct conditions, they overlap in several ways, making them hard to separate [3].
Impulsivity and Hyperactivity
ADHD is known for excess movement and impulsivity. This includes fidgeting, interrupting conversations, or acting without thinking.
Autism can also include impulsivity, but it may appear differently, like stimming (self-stimulatory behaviors) or intense engagement in special interests.
Inattention and Difficulty with Focus
ADHD makes it hard to focus on things that aren’t immediately stimulating. This often leads to task-switching or easy distractions.
Autistic individuals can also struggle with focus, but instead of getting distracted, they might hyperfocus on specific topics while ignoring everything else.
Executive Functioning Difficulties
Both autism and ADHD impact organization, planning, and time management. This can lead to:
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Difficulty starting or finishing tasks
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Losing track of time
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Struggling to prioritize important things
Social Challenges
ADHD social struggles often come from impulsivity – interrupting, talking too much, or missing social cues.
Autistic social struggles come from difficulty understanding social norms, sarcasm, or unspoken rules of communication.
Sensory Sensitivities
Both autistic and ADHD individuals may have strong sensory preferences:
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Over-sensitive to sounds, lights, textures, or smells
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Under-sensitive and constantly seeking sensory input (e.g., loud music, movement, touching objects)
Emotional Dysregulation
Both conditions can make it difficult to manage emotions, leading to:
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Mood swings
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Feeling overwhelmed easily
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Experiencing burnout from sensory and social overload
How Are Autism and ADHD Different?
Despite their similarities, autism and ADHD have clear differences in how they affect people.
Core Symptoms
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ADHD – Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
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Autism – Social communication differences, restrictive behaviors, and intense interests
Social Skills
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ADHD – Social impulse control, like talking too much or interrupting
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Autism – Struggles sarcasm, nonverbal cues, and social rules
Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests
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ADHD – Moves between interests quickly
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Autism – Has deep, long-term interests and follows strict routines
Sensory Sensitivities
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ADHD – Can exist, but they’re usually less intense
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Autism – Stronger and more distressing sensitivities
Onset and Presentation
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ADHD – Symptoms usually appear by ages 3-6
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Autism – Symptoms appear from early childhood and persist throughout life
Rates of ADHD and Autism
Among Individuals with ASD
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30-80% of autistic individuals also have ADHD [4]
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Autism affects 1-2% of the global population [5]
Among Individuals with ADHD
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20-50% of individuals with ADHD also have autism [6]
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ADHD affects an estimated 7 million (11.4%) of children in the U.S., with boys (15%) more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls (8%) [7]
Sudden Rise in AuDHD
Why is AuDHD being diagnosed more often now?
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DSM-5 Changes (2013) – Before this, doctors couldn’t officially diagnose both autism and ADHD together
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Increased Awareness – More people are recognizing their symptoms and seeking diagnosis
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Genetic Overlap – Studies show a 50-72% genetic link between the two conditions [8]
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Shared Brain Functioning – Both affect executive functioning, attention, and dopamine regulation
The internet has also played a huge role in spreading information, helping neurodivergent people identify their own experiences.
Overlapping Symptoms of AuDHD and CPTSD
Autism with ADHD (AuDHD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) share a surprising number of overlapping traits, often making it difficult to distinguish between the two. While one is neurodevelopmental and the other trauma-based, they can present similarly in day-to-day life.
Shared Symptoms
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Executive Dysfunction – Struggles with planning, organization, and follow-through can be a challenge for both conditions.
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Emotional Dysregulation – Intense emotions, difficulty managing stress, and rapid mood shifts are common.
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Social Difficulties – Trouble with social interactions, reading cues, or forming and maintaining relationships can appear in both AuDHD and CPTSD.
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Sensory Sensitivities – Heightened responses to sounds, textures, or other stimuli are often seen in both conditions.
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Attention Issues – Difficulty focusing, especially in overwhelming environments, is characteristic of both.
Because of these overlaps, it’s important to work with a mental health professional who can carefully assess and determine the root causes and provide tailored support. Whether traits stem from neurodivergence, trauma, or both, understanding your unique experience is key to getting the right care.
Treatment Approaches
Since AuDHD is a combination of two conditions, treatment should be personalized. Options include:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps with emotional regulation and coping strategies
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Occupational Therapy – Helps with sensory sensitivities and daily life skills
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Social Skills Training – Supports communication and relationships
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Medication – Stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall help ADHD symptoms, while anti-anxiety meds may help autistic individuals
There is no “cure” for either condition, but with the right support, individuals with AuDHD can thrive.
How Do Professionals Diagnose AuDHD?
Since ADHD and autism were historically diagnosed separately, many professionals overlook one while diagnosing the other. If you suspect both, advocating for a full evaluation is essential.
Support for AuDHD
Every AuDHD individual is different, so support should be tailored to their needs. Helpful resources include:
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Therapy (CBT, executive function coaching, social skills training)
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Academic accommodations for school or work
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Support groups for neurodivergent individuals
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Medication for ADHD symptoms
With the right tools, people with AuDHD can embrace their strengths and navigate challenges with confidence.
FAQs About AuDHD
Meme by Unknown (2025)
Q: Is AuDHD a real diagnosis?
A: No, AuDHD is not a formal medical diagnosis. However, it is a common term adopted to describe indivduals with both ADHD and autism.
Q: Can you have autism and ADHD at the same time?
A: Yes! Many people experience both conditions, and studies show high overlap between them.
Q: What are the biggest challenges of AuDHD?
A: Difficulties with focus, organization, social skills, sensory sensitivities, and emotional regulation.
Q: Can AuDHD be treated?
A: There is no cure, but therapy, medication, and support systems can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
References
[1] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
[2] Antshel, K. M., Zhang-James, Y., Wagner, K. E., Ledesma, A., & Faraone, S. V. (2016). An update on the comorbidity of ADHD and ASD: A focus on clinical management. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 16(3), 279–293. https://doi.org/10.1586/14737175.2016.1146591
[3] Leitner, Y. (2014). The co-occurrence of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children – what do we know? Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8, 268. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00268
[4] Lau-Zhu, A., Fritz, A., & McLoughlin, G. (2019). Overlaps and distinctions between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder in young adulthood: Systematic review and guiding framework for EEG-imaging research. Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews, 96, 93–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.10.009
[5] World Health Organization. (2023). Autism spectrum disorders. Retrieved February 9, 2025, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders
[6] Reiersen, A. M., & Todd, R. D. (2008). Co-occurrence of ADHD and autism spectrum disorders: Phenomenology and treatment. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 8(4), 657–669.
https://doi.org/10.1586/14737175.8.4.657
[7] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Data and statistics about ADHD. Retrieved February 9, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/index.html
[8] Leitner Y. (2014). The co-occurrence of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children - what do we know?. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 8, 268. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00268