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Dual Diagnosed AuDHD (Autistic & ADHD)? A guide to AuDHD support that actually helps

  • Writer: Sara Tookey, PhD
    Sara Tookey, PhD
  • Oct 18
  • 10 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Written by Dr Sara Tookey

Picture depicting a toy in the shape of profile head shape. True North Psychology, Ltd., AuDHD Assessments and Therapeutic Support

Key Points:


  • AuDHD creates a distinct neurotype with its own patterns, strengths, and challenges, not just "autism plus ADHD"

  • AuDHDers often feel like they embody contradictions, such as craving routine and novelty simultaneously

  • Processing your diagnosis is a normal and valuable journey; there's no "right" timeline

  • Seeking AuDHD-specific information and connecting with the AuDHD community can be profoundly validating

  • Professional support options include AuDHD-informed therapy, occupational therapy, speech & language therapy, and AuDHD coaching

  • Workplace and educational accommodations, like Access to Work grants, can provide crucial support

  • AuDHDers may have higher rates of certain physical conditions; advocating for proper healthcare is important

  • With the right understanding and support, AuDHD brains can become one of your greatest assets

  • The article provides an comprehensive list of essential AuDHD resources, including books, videos, online communities, professional directories, and physical health resources

  • If you suspect you may have AuDHD, the article offers guidance on finding the right assessment, preparing for it, and questions to ask potential assessors




Understanding Your Journey


If you've recently received an AuDHD diagnosis (whether through a combined assessment or as your second diagnosis after already knowing about one condition) you're likely experiencing a complex mix of emotions. Relief at finally having answers. Grief for years of struggle without understanding. Perhaps overwhelm at trying to figure out what comes next.


All of these feelings are completely valid.


There's no timeline for processing this information, and you may cycle through different emotions, sometimes all in one day.


This article aims to provide guidance and support as you navigate this new landscape, offering insights into the unique AuDHD experience, practical steps forward, and essential resources to help you thrive.



Colourful brain sparking new connections with bright colours, lines and circular lights. A True North Psychology Ltd created image. Copywrite 2025


What Makes AuDHD Unique


Here's something important to understand: you're not "autism plus ADHD." While it wasn't until 2013 that dual diagnosis became formally possible, research shows that 40-70% of autistic individuals also meet criteria for ADHD (Young et al., 2011). Your AuDHD neurotype creates a distinct intersection with its own patterns, strengths, and challenges.


The "Living Contradictions" Experience


Many AuDHDers describe feeling like they embody contradictions:

  • Craving routine AND novelty simultaneously

    • You might need your morning coffee ritual but feel restless doing the same job for months

  • Wanting structure YET needing flexibility

    • You may plan your day meticulously but need to change plans when you're overstimulated

  • Desiring social connection BUT finding it overwhelming

    • You love deep conversations but need extensive recovery time after social events

  • Getting overstimulated AND understimulated at the same time

    • Your brain seeks more input while your nervous system says "STOP"


These aren't character flaws or signs of confusion. Though they can feel like an inner turmoil at times, they're natural expressions of your neurodivergent brain.



Your First Steps Forward


1. Give Yourself Permission to Process

There's no "right" way to feel about your diagnosis. Many people spend weeks, months or even years looking back at their lives through this new lens of understanding. This reflection process, while sometimes difficult, is normal and valuable.


2. Seek AuDHD-Specific Information

Generic autism or ADHD materials may have felt incomplete before, because they resonate with your AuDHD experience. Look for resources that specifically address how autism and ADHD intersect and sometimes conflict within one person.


3. Connect with Your Community

Finding others who share your specific experience can be profoundly validating. AuDHD communities offer practical strategies, emotional support, and the relief of discovering your internal conflicts are shared experiences.


4. Consider Disclosure Carefully

You have complete control over who you tell and when. Some people start with close family, others prefer connecting with online AuDHD communities first. It’s not your responsibility to explain or justify your diagnosis to anyone.



image of a green and black typewriter with paper and the word "SUPPORT" typed onto the paper

Professional Support Options


Choose what feels most pressing. You don't need to pursue everything at once.


AuDHD-Informed Therapy


Timeline: Initial sessions typically within 2-4 weeks for private practice, 6-18 months via NHS

Typical cost: £80-150 per session privately

What it helps with: Processing the complex emotions around your diagnosis, developing self-compassion, addressing trauma from years of misunderstanding, learning to unmask safely, relationship therapy, and managing co-occurring mental health conditions.

Look for: Therapists who specifically mention neurodiversity-affirming approaches and experience with dual diagnoses, not just autism or ADHD separately.


Occupational Therapy

Timeline: Assessment within 6-12 weeks NHS, 2-4 weeks privately or charity organisations

Typical cost: £80-150 per session privately, £200 - £500 for sensory needs assessment

What it helps with: Understanding your unique sensory and processing patterns, creating environments that support rather than exhaust you, developing personalised regulation strategies, and adapting daily activities to your AuDHD needs.

The aim isn’t on becoming "fully independent". It’'s making life more manageable and authentic to your experience.


Speech & Language Therapy

Timeline: Similar to OT

Typical cost: £80-120 per session privately, NHS (referral pathways and wait times vary)

What it helps with: Supporting your natural communication styles, addressing selective or situational mutism (when speaking feels impossible in certain situations), developing strategies for alexithymia (difficulty identifying emotions), and exploring alternative communication methods during overwhelming periods.

This isn't about "fixing" how you communicate. It's about finding methods that work for your unique brain.


AuDHD Coaching

Timeline: Usually available within 2-4 weeks via private or charity service

Typical cost: £60-120 per session

What it helps with: Developing practical strategies that honour both your autistic and ADHD traits, creating organisational systems that provide structure while maintaining flexibility, and building accountability systems that motivate without overwhelming.

AuDHD coaches understand that standard productivity advice often misses the mark for your neurotype.


Photograph of Library with books on the shelf and white bookcases

Workplace and Educational Support


Reasonable Adjustments

Both autism and ADHD qualify for workplace accommodations under the Equality Act 2010. Examples include:

  • Sensory accommodations (noise-reducing headphones, lighting adjustments)

  • Flexible working hours that account for your natural energy rhythms

  • Written instructions to support information processing

  • Modified meeting formats that work better for your communication style


Access to Work Grants

The UK government's Access to Work scheme can fund:

  • Workplace coaching specifically trained in neurodivergent support

  • Assistive technology and software

  • Personal or virtual assistant services

  • Travel assistance if public transport feels overwhelming


Application timeline: 6-10 weeks (has been known to take up to 14 months)Coverage: Up to £66,000 annually for employed individuals

Contact providers beforehand to confirm they accept Access to Work payments, as this can improve your application success.



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Physical Health Considerations


Common Co-occurring Conditions

Research indicates higher rates of certain physical conditions in neurodivergent populations:

  • POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)

  • EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) and hypermobility

  • Gastrointestinal issues

  • Chronic fatigue and migraines

  • Autoimmune conditions

  • Dysautonomia


Hormonal Impacts

Hormonal fluctuations can significantly worsen AuDHD symptoms, particularly during:

  • Monthly cycles and PMDD

  • Pregnancy and postpartum periods

  • Perimenopause and menopause


Important: Many physical conditions present symptoms that look like anxiety and may be dismissed by healthcare professionals, requiring you to advocate for your care to receive proper investigation. Tips: Log your symptoms and bring information to support your investigation (like research indicating connection with AuDHD and supports that can help), and bring a person with you to support you in advocating for investigations.


Getting Physical Health Support

  • NHS routes: GP referrals to specialists (typically 12-18 week wait times)

  • Private options: Specialist clinics (4-8 week waits, £200-400 initial consultations)

  • Advocacy support: Organisations like VoiceAbility (0300 303 1660) can help you to navigate complex healthcare journeys



Moving Forward: Embracing Your AuDHD Identity

Your diagnosis isn't an ending, it's the beginning. A chance to understand yourself deeply, embrace authenticity, and build a life that works with your brain, not against it.


You're not broken and don't need fixing. Understanding, appropriate support, and strategies that honour your complete AuDHD experience can help.

Many AuDHDers bring exceptional strengths:

  • Pattern recognition that combines systematic analysis with creative leaps

  • Innovative problem-solving approaches

  • Deep empathy paired with logical analysis

  • Adaptability developed through navigating contradictory needs


With the right understanding and support, your AuDHD brain can become one of your greatest assets.


Dr. Sara Tookey is an AuDHD psychologist and founder of True North Psychology, where she provides neurodiversity-affirming ADHD and AuDHD assessments and post-diagnostic support.


Close up image of several books lined up so that you can see the pages.

Essential AuDHD Resources



📚 Key Reading



📺 Educational Videos



🌐 Online Communities and Support Groups



📱Professional Directories

📱Professional Directories




🏥 Physical Health Resources for AuDHDers:

  • SEDSconnective: User-led charity supporting neurodivergent people with symptomatic hypermobility and EDS/HSD

  • PoTS UK: Support and resources for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

  • Ehlers-Danlos Support UK: - UK charity for EDS and HSD support

  • International Association for Premenstrual Disorders: iapmd.org - Global support for PMDD and PME

  • Mind UK: (search for PMDD resources and treatment information)

  • Autism Understood: PMDD resources specifically for neurodivergent people


Healthcare Advocacy Resources:


Seeking Assessment and Support?


Wondering if you might be AuDHD?

🔸 If you're seeking diagnosis:

  1. 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)

  2. Collect childhood evidence and current examples

  3. Prepare questions about their assessment process

  4. Consider bringing a support person


🔸 If you're newly diagnosed:

  1. Give yourself time to process, greive and develop an understanding

  2. Connect with AuDHD communities online 

  3. Explore accommodations for work/school

  4. Consider therapy with an AuDHD-informed professional


🔸 If you're supporting someone else:

  1. Educate yourself about AuDHD experiences

  2. Validate their internal conflicts and contradictions

  3. Help them find appropriate professional support

  4. 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 AuDHDers. Our approach recognises the unique intersection of autism and ADHD while honouring your individual experience. 


Photograph of Dr Sara Tookey, Founder and Director of True North Psychology Ltd. A True North Psychology protected image

Visit our neurodiversity-affirming assessments page to learn more about our comprehensive diagnostic assessment offerings: https://www.truenorth-psychology.com/nd-assessments


Book a free screening call with our lead Psychologist and ADHD/ Autism /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



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.


This article is a repost of a guest article written for AuDHD day and available on Substack on the AuDHD Information hub @audhdinformationhub: https://audhdday.substack.com/p/beyond-the-diagnosis-a-guide-to-audhd


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.



THINK YOU MIGHT BE AUDHD?


True North Psychology Ltd. Logo - Protected image created by True North Psychology Ltd.
TNP logo - © True North Psychology Ltd. 2024

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.





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


Al-Beltagi, M. (2021). Autism medical comorbidities. World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics, 10(3), 15-53.

Csecs, J. L., et al. (2022). Joint hypermobility links neurodivergence to dysautonomia and pain. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 786916.

Young, S., et al. (2011). The experience of receiving a diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in adulthood. Journal of Attention Disorders, 15(6), 493-503.



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