AuDHD: Understanding the Intersection of Autism and ADHD
- Sara Tookey, PhD
- Jun 13
- 13 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Written by Dr Sara Tookey
Key Highlights: What You Need to Know About AuDHD
It's Real, Not a Trend: 40-70% of autistic individuals also meet criteria for ADHD, with up to half of those with ADHD showing autistic traits
The "Living Contradiction": AuDHD individuals experience internal conflicts between competing neurological needs (routine vs. novelty, structure vs. flexibility)
Masking Effect: ADHD and autism traits can hide each other, making diagnosis challenging and often leading to misidentification
Unique Strengths: AuDHD brains offer exceptional pattern recognition, creative problem-solving, and innovative thinking that combines structure with flexibility
Cyclical Patterns: Unlike either condition alone, AuDHD follows distinctive cycles of high energy followed by crashes
Professional Recognition Growing: Increasing numbers of specialists are trained to recognise and assess this intersection
What Is AuDHD?
Until relatively recently (2013), Autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were considered distinct conditions that couldn't be diagnosed together. However, research has increasingly revealed significant overlap between these conditions, leading to growing recognition of what many now call "AuDHD" - the co-occurrence of both autism and ADHD in the same person.
This article explores what it's actually like to live with this intersection, why it's not just a trend, and the unique experiences that characterise the AuDHD brain.
New to AuDHD? This article focuses on understanding the lived experience and provides practical steps about diagnosis and support.
Not a Trend: The Science Behind AuDHD
Despite some dismissive commentary suggesting that AuDHD is "just a TikTok diagnosis," the scientific evidence tells a different story:
The Research Shows:
40-70% of autistic individuals also meet criteria for ADHD
Up to half of those with ADHD show autistic traits (Boyle, 2024; Waldren et al., 2024)
Twin studies show a genetic overlap becoming stronger as people age—suggesting that many of the same genes that contribute to autism also contribute to ADHD (Ronald et al., 2008; Reiersen et al., 2008).
Research by Taylor et al. (2015) found that autistic individuals who experienced communication differences had the strongest genetic overlap with ADHD traits.
As Siân Boyle notes in an article in The Guardian: "...some critics like to describe ADHD – and more recently autism – as a 'fashionable' diagnosis, a misinformed excuse for life's struggles" (Boyle, 2024). This criticism overlooks substantial research and real lived experiences.
Why They Overlap:
Both autism and ADHD involve:
Differences in executive functioning (e.g. attention and impulsivity)
Sensory processing differences
Challenges with emotional regulation
Social communication differences
Often co-occur with anxiety and depression
Involve masking behaviours as coping strategies
The Lived Experience of AuDHD
The "Living Contradiction"
Many individuals with AuDHD describe feeling like a "living contradiction." As one person shared with ADDitude Magazine:
"I often feel like a living contradiction. I want order but cannot maintain it. I want to be systematic and precise but struggle with it, which leaves me constantly feeling not good enough" (ADDitude Editors, 2024).
Samantha Stein's 5 Key AuDHD Characteristics
Samantha Stein, a late-diagnosed AuDHDer and advocate describes five key experiences of AuDHD in her viral YouTube video (2+ million views):
1. Internal Conflict: Stein’s words depict this very clearly -
"You might feel constant inner conflict with yourself which often results in becoming frequently frustrated with yourself. You may crave order and routine but be unable to maintain it; You might get overstimulated as much as you get under stimulated, and sometimes this might even happen at the same time or in a very short space of time" (Stein, 2024).
2. Traits Balance Each Other Out:
"The opposing actions of autistic and ADHD traits can seem to balance each other out or maybe even conceal each other... the social awkwardness aspect of my autism often kind of gave in to the chattiness and sociability of my ADHD, so from the outside I kind of just appeared as if I was shy at first and then took a little bit of time to warm up to people. But that wasn't what was happening inside, both of those people were me" (Stein, 2024).
3. Different Versions in Different Environments: Stein describes how her AuDHD traits shift depending on her environment:
"Out of the house I'm getting some kind of novelty and stimulation so the ADHD monster within is pretty satisfied... But the things that I can't control out of the house is the sensory environment and it's a less predictable social environment too and those are the things that my autistic self starts to struggle with" (Stein, 2024).
4. Varied Special Interests and Hyperfixations
"If you're also an ADHDer, you may be more likely to have more intense special interests for a shorter time... to use up the dopamine before switching to another one. Possibly, alongside longer running special interests... that are more stable and less prone to being suddenly bored with it" (Stein, 2024).
5. Relating to Other AuDHDers
"I feel like I am often, dare I say, a little bit too much for autistic people. I talk a lot and I get excited... So I do actually tend to have more friends who are just ADHDers. The irony is that these people are often too much for me. So I tend to find myself needing more downtime from socialising and more social recovery time than they do" (Stein, 2024).
A Walking Contradiction: Competing Needs
Common internal conflicts include:
Autistic Brain Wants | ADHD Brain Wants | Result |
Routine and predictability | Novelty and spontaneity | Internal tension |
Deep focus on interests | Variety and stimulation | Attention conflicts |
Quiet, controlled environments | Social interaction and buzz | Sensory over/underwhelm |
Structure and order | Flexibility and freedom | Planning struggles |
To understand the AuDHD experience it’s essential to take into account not just the external “symptoms” or behaviours linked to Autism or ADHD, but to take into account the internal experiences which are often in conflict.
Stein captures this eloquently when she says in her video:
"These two sides of me are both there, they're both part of me but sometimes they have completely opposite desires and needs" (Stein, 2024).
The Cyclical Nature of AuDHD
Mattia Maurée, an AuDHD coach and composer, highlights a unique characteristic: AuDHD follows a cyclical pattern with big bursts of energy followed by crashes (Boyle, 2024). This differs from either condition alone, creating rhythms that individuals must learn to navigate. This may be a reason why we often see depression, burnout and anxiety as a common experience for AuDHD individuals.
How ADHD and Autism Mask Each Other
One of the most fascinating aspects of AuDHD is how each condition can effectively hide the other, creating complex presentations that often confuse both individuals and professionals. Dr. Khurram Sadiq (AuDHD psychiatrist and lived-experience expert) describes three distinct types of AuDHD presentations that help explain why diagnosis can be so challenging, and highlights the need for specialised training for clinicians who are diagnosing ADHD and or Autism effectively.
ADHD-Prominent Presentation - When ADHD Masks Autism
ADHD traits mask autistic features. ADHD characteristics like impulsivity, social chattiness, and emotional expressiveness can directly contradict stereotypical views of autism. A person might be:
Too socially engaged to "seem autistic"
Too spontaneous to fit the rigid, routinised autism stereotype
Too emotionally expressive to match the "flat affect" often associated with autism
Professionals often fail to look beyond single neurodivergent presentation, like ADHD, to identify underlying autistic traits.
Autism-Prominent Presentation - When Autism Masks ADHD
Conversely, when autism is the dominant presentation, autistic traits can effectively disguise ADHD:
Intense focus on special interests might mask the difficulty sustaining attention typical in ADHD
Preference for routine might contain the disorganisation associated with ADHD
Social difficulties might be attributed solely to autism, missing the impulsivity and rejection sensitivity of ADHD
3. The Seesaw Presentation
This mixed presentation happens when someone constantly oscillates between the two conditions. This may be experienced as an internal tension between the need for social interaction but exhaustion with social engagement, or between the desire for order and the reality of disorganisation.
Dr. Sadiq notes, "ADHD can actually serve as 'a friend to autism' by preventing someone from becoming too reclusive, while autism can provide structure that helps contain ADHD's scattered energy" (ADHD Chatter).
View the complete interview with Dr Sadiq on ADHD Chatter (in resources section) to learn more.
Why Professionals Miss It
In one case, Dr. Sadiq realised within 15 minutes that a patient referred for ADHD was actually autistic:
"If I had no lived experience of autism and ADHD I would have missed it completely. I would have diagnosed either social anxiety or a personality disorder" (Boyle, 2024).
Strengths and Abilities: The AuDHD Advantage
While challenges exist, AuDHD individuals often possess unique strengths:
Cognitive Strengths:
Pattern recognition across diverse contexts
Creative problem-solving with systematic thinking
Hyperfocus capabilities on interests
Innovative thinking combining structure with flexibility
Strong memory for specialised topics
Social and Emotional Strengths:
Deep empathy and emotional insight
Strong sense of justice and authenticity
Unique perspectives that challenge norms
Attention to detail others miss
Paul Dyson, CTO and co-founder of Singletrack, describes his AuDHD experience:
"I may find it near-impossible to focus on any task that doesn't capture my interest, but give me something that does and I can hyperfocus on it, completing work in a few hours that most people would require days to do" (Dyson, 2022).
Living Authentically with AuDHD
Understanding AuDHD is about more than diagnosis—it's about authentic living that honours both sides of your neurotype.
Key Principles for AuDHD Life:
Embrace the paradox: You contain multitudes, and that's your strength
Honour both sides: Create space for both autism and ADHD needs
Build flexible structure: Systems that provide security with room for spontaneity
Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself through the internal conflicts
Find your community: Connect with others who understand the intersection
If you see yourself in these experiences, know that:
You're not broken – your brain works differently
Recognition matters – understanding can transform self-perception
Support exists – professionals are increasingly trained in AuDHD
You're not alone – there's a growing community of AuDHD individuals
Diagnosis isn't always necessary, but self-understanding can transform challenges into strengths and help support a brighter direction forward.
One of our AuDHD clients describes the impact of having a diagnosis:
"For years I blamed myself for things I couldn't control. This label helps me understand myself and show myself compassion." - Anonymous AuDHD Client, True North Psychology
Seeking Assessment and Support
Wondering if you might be AuDHD?
🔸 If you're seeking diagnosis:
Research AuDHD-informed assessors in your area or online (keep this within the country or state where you live to ensure your diagnosis is recognised by local services)
Collect childhood evidence and current examples
Prepare questions about their assessment process
Consider bringing a support person
🔸 If you're newly diagnosed:
Give yourself time to process, greive and develop an understanding
Connect with AuDHD communities online
Explore accommodations for work/school
Consider therapy with an AuDHD-informed professional
🔸 If you're supporting someone else:
Educate yourself about AuDHD experiences
Validate their internal conflicts and contradictions
Help them find appropriate professional support
Be patient with their unique rhythms and needs
Finding the Right Assessment for You
If you suspect you may have AuDHD, comprehensive, compassionate assessment can provide clarity and direction.
What to Look For in Assessment Providers
Essential Qualities:
✅ Experienced with both ADHD and autism
✅ Understand gender differences in presentation
✅ Take a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach
✅ Consider the impact of masking and a person's internal experiences
✅ Provide comprehensive post-diagnosis support
At True North Psychology, we provide neurodiversity-affirming assessment and support specifically designed for individuals exploring or living with AuDHD. Our approach recognises the unique intersection of autism and ADHD while honouring your individual experience.
Book a free screening call with our lead Psychologist and ADHD/ AuDHD Assessor, Dr Sara Tookey to see if our approach to assessment and therapy would be a good fit for you
Questions to Ask Potential Assessors
About their experience:
How many AuDHD assessments have you conducted?
What training do you have in both autism and ADHD?
How do you assess masking behaviours and internal experiences?
About their process:
How long does the assessment take?
Do you include breaks and accommodations?
How do you handle contradictory presentations?
About support:
What happens after diagnosis?
Do you provide resources and follow-up?
Can you recommend appropriate therapists?
Preparing for Assessment
Collect evidence if you can:
School reports and feedback
Work performance reviews
Examples of special interests/hyperfixations
Sensory sensitivities and preferences
Masking strategies you've used
Bring support:
Someone who knew you as a child
Partner or close friend who understands your traits
Written examples if verbal communication is challenging
Fidget toys, comfort item, anything that will help to support you during your appointment
Professional Support & Self-Management
Assessment and Diagnosis
Comprehensive evaluation by professionals familiar with both conditions
Recognition of how symptoms interact and mask each other
Understanding of gender and cultural differences in presentation
Therapeutic Approaches
Therapy adapted for neurodivergent individuals
Occupational therapy for sensory needs and daily living skills
Social skills support that acknowledges both conditions
Medication management when appropriate and desired
Specialised Services
Neurodiversity-affirming therapists who understand AuDHD
Trauma-informed care for those with complex histories
Relationships therapy (family/ couples) to help those close to you understand AuDHD
Executive Functioning Support
Visual schedules and reminders that accommodate both structure and flexibility
Breaking tasks into smaller steps with clear endpoints
Creating flexible routines that allow for both predictability and novelty
Using technology like apps, timers, and organisational tools
Sensory Regulation
Identifying individual sensory needs and triggers
Creating environments that support both regulation and stimulation needs
Using tools like noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, or weighted blankets
Planning for sensory breaks and recovery time
Social Support
Building understanding support networks who "get" AuDHD
Learning to recognise and respect personal limits
Developing self-advocacy skills for different environments
Finding community with other AuDHD individuals
Daily Life Management
For the home environment:
Create sensory-friendly spaces that satisfy both ADHD stimulation needs and autistic regulation needs
Use timers and visual cues for transitions
Have both structured routines and flexibility built in
For work/school:
Advocate for accommodations that address both conditions
Use movement breaks and fidget tools as needed
Create systems that work with your unique brain patterns
Finding balance:
Seek friends who understand neurodivergence broadly
Communicate your needs clearly and kindly
Build in recovery time after social activities
Remember that quality matters more than quantity in relationships
Conclusion and Summary
AuDHD represents a significant and growing area of understanding within neurodiversity research and practice. Far from being a trend, the co-occurrence of autism and ADHD reflects genuine differences that create unique experiences, challenges, and strengths.
Key insights from this exploration include:
Scientific Validity: Research consistently shows substantial overlap between autism and ADHD, with 40-70% of autistic individuals also meeting ADHD criteria
Complex Presentations: The interaction between autism and ADHD creates "living contradictions" where individuals experience competing neurological needs
Diagnostic Challenges: Each condition can mask the other, requiring specialists trained in recognising these complex intersections
Unique Strengths: AuDHD individuals possess distinctive cognitive and social abilities that combine systematic thinking with creative flexibility
Individual Journey: Understanding and support must be personalised, recognising that each person's AuDHD experience is unique
Moving forward, the most important elements are:
Self-compassion through the internal conflicts and contradictions
Professional support from AuDHD-informed practitioners
Community connection with others who understand the intersection
Flexible strategies that honour both neurotypes simultaneously
Whether you're exploring your own neurodivergence, supporting a loved one, or working professionally in this field, understanding AuDHD requires embracing complexity, celebrating difference, and recognising the extraordinary capabilities that emerge from this unique neurological intersection.
Remember: Your brain isn't broken – it's beautifully, complexly different. And in that difference lies tremendous potential for innovation, insight, and authentic living.
This article is part of True North Psychology's commitment to providing accessible, evidence-based information about neurodiversity. All content is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Resources & Further Reading
🔗 Related Reading From Our Blog:
Why Self-Compassion is So Essential to Late-Diagnosed ADHD Adults - The relationship between shame and compassion in ADHD adults
The Hidden Struggle: When High-Functioning ADHD in Adulthood Leads to Burnout and Breakthrough - How high achievement can mask neurodivergence until crisis points
Neurodivergent Pride and Mental Wellness for LGBTQIA+ Communities - Intersections of identity and neurodivergence
Psychedelics and Neurodivergence: Understanding Current Research and Integration Needs - Explore how psychedelics might affect people with ADHD and autism and considerations for safety and integration
📺 Educational Videos
5 Signs You Have ADHD and Autism - Yo Samdy Sam - Stein's detailed explanation of AuDHD internal experiences
ADHD Chatter Podcast - Dr. Khurram Sadiq on AuDHD - Expert clinical insights on assessment and presentation
ADHD Chatter - Dr. Becky Quicke on AuDHD in Women - Specialized focus on women and girls
ADHD Chatter - Dr. Samantha Hiew on AuDHD Research - Latest research perspectives
📚 Essential Books:
"Explaining AuDHD" by Dr. Khurram Sadiq - Expert-led guide to understanding the intersection
"AuDHD: Blooming Differently" by Leanne Maskell - Personal journey and practical insights
"Different, Not Less" by Chloe Hayden - Neurodivergent guide to embracing your true self
"Divergent Mind" by Jenara Nerenberg - Thriving in a world not designed for neurodivergent minds
"How Not to Fit In" by Jess Joy and Charlotte Mia - Unapologetic guide to navigating autism and ADHD
"UNMASKED" by Ellie Middleton - Ultimate guide to ADHD, autism and neurodivergence
"The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT" by Sonny Jane Wise - Practical skills workbook
🌐 Online Communities & Professional Resources
Neurodivergent Practitioners Directory - neurodivergentpractitioners.org
AuDHD support forums - Connect with others sharing similar experiences
NHS UK list of autism resources and support for individuals, families, and employers
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a leading advocacy organisation run by and for autistic individuals. Their website provides extensive information and resources on autism acceptance and neurodiversity.
AuDHD blog run by AuDHD Clinical Psychologist: https://unnormal.substack.com/p/answering-your-questions
📱 Immediate Support
Crisis helplines if you're experiencing mental health difficulties
Online AuDHD communities for peer support and validation
Neurodiversity-affirming therapists directory searches
🏥 Assessment and Therapeutic Support Services
True North Psychology (Dr Sara Tookey's Practice) Neurodiversity-affirming therapy and assessments (ADHD & AuDHD) for adults (with specialisms in high-functioning, high-masking adults and LGBTQIA++ intersections) https://www.truenorth-psychology.com/adhd-assessments-and-support
👨👩👧👦 For Families & Partners
Understanding AuDHD in relationships - Communication strategies and support approaches https://embrace-autism.com/audhd-and-relationships-part-i/
Parenting as neurodivergent parents - Resources neurodivergent parents: https://www.theneurodiversitypractice.com/
THINK YOU MIGHT BE AUDHD?
At True North Psychology, we provide neurodiversity-affirming assessment and support specifically designed for individuals exploring or living with AuDHD. Our approach recognises the unique intersection of autism and ADHD while honouring your individual experience.
Ready to explore assessment or support? Contact us to learn more about our neurodiversity-affirming approach →
Our AuDHD-Informed Services Include:
Comprehensive assessments that understand masking and trait interaction
Post-diagnosis support to help you understand and integrate your diagnosis
Therapy approaches adapted for the AuDHD experience
Family/partner support to help your loved ones understand your neurotype
Book a FREE 30-minute Therapy Discovery Call with one of our neurodivergent-affirming Psychologists Today.
Book your FREE Assessment Screening or Therapy Discovery Call
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References
ADDitude Editors. (2024). AuDHD Medication Side Effects: When Stimulants Unmask Autism Traits. ADDitude Magazine. https://www.additudemag.com/audhd-medication-side-effects/
Boyle, S. (2024, April 4). The sudden rise of AuDHD: what is behind the rocketing rates of this life-changing diagnosis? The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/apr/04/audhd-what-is-behind-rocketing-rates-life-changing-diagnosis
Embrace Autism. (2024). AuDHD & stimulant medication. https://embrace-autism.com/audhd-and-stimulant-medication/
Mackereth, L. (2025). Uncovering Autism and ADHD in Gifted Adults: Burnout as a Diagnostic Catalyst. https://lindseymackereth.substack.com/p/adult-autism-andor-adhd-diagnosis
Maskell, L. (2024). Assessments, Answers & Acceptance: ADHD & Autism. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/assessments-answers-acceptance-adhd-autism-leanne-maskell-bj2we
Quicke, B. (2019). Dr Becky Quicke - Clinical Psychologist & Founder - Autistic Girls. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-becky-quicke-965268b5/
Saline, S. (2022). Self-Compassion Practice for ADHD Shame. ADDitude Magazine. https://www.additudemag.com/self-compassion-practice-adhd-shame/
Saporito, K. (2024). ADHD, Autism, and Neurodivergence Are Coming Into Focus. ADDitude Magazine. https://www.additudemag.com/saporito-adhd-autism-neurodivergence/
Stein, S. (2024). 5 Signs You Have ADHD and Autism [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMx1DnSn-eg
Waldren, L. H., Leung, F. Y., Hargitai, L. D., Burgoyne, A. P., Liceralde, V. R., Livingston, L. A., & Shah, P. (2024). Unpacking the overlap between Autism and ADHD in adults: A multi-method approach. Cortex, 160, 172-190. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010945224000145?via%3Dihub
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