AuDHD is a community term used by autistic and ADHD communites to describe the combined experiencing of having both both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at the same time. It is not a clinical term or a diagnosis in the DSM-5.
Perhaps surprisingly, autism and ADHD can co-occur, and when they do, traits from each diagnosis may shape or mask the other. If you or a loved one is wondering whether they share both diagnoses, neuropsychological testing can provide more clarity. Testing is typically the most helpful route if both ADHD and autism are suspected since these conditions appear differently when together than they do on their own.
Key Takeaways
- AuDHD is a community term created to describe the unique experience of having both autism and ADHD together.
- Autism and ADHD overlap far more often than many would expect.
- Traits from each condition can mask or intensify the other, making it harder to recognize, even for the individual living the experience.
- Professional testing is often the most reliable way to know what’s really going on.
- Neuropsych testing can help kids, teens, and adults access support and accommodations for both conditions if needed.
Why Autism and ADHD Often Overlap
Autism and ADHD are considered separate neurodevelopmental conditions, but they overlap more than many people realize.
Research shows that as many as 50 to 70 percent of autistic people also meet criteria for ADHD [1]. Additionally, a large national survey found a similarly high comorbidity rate for children, with up to 70 percent of kids having one condition also affected by the other [2].
Genetics also seem to matter here. For example, twin studies have found shared genetic influences between autistic traits and ADHD behaviors [1]. Researchers don’t fully understand why the two conditions occur together so often; however, the pattern is well documented at this point.
How AuDHD Differs From ADHD or Autism Alone
Even though autism and ADHD frequently co-occur, they aren’t the same condition.
A 2024 brain imaging analysis found that ADHD and autism have more differences than similarities when it comes to how the brain activates during tasks that involve attention, memory, and social processing [3].
For example, ADHD showed up as reduced activity in brain regions linked to inhibition and working memory. Autism showed a different way entirely, with both increases and decreases in activity appearing across a completely different set of regions [3].
These findings matter when it comes to AuDHD because the overlap of these two conditions doesn’t simply mean “more severe ADHD” or “autism with extra symptoms.”
Both ADHD and autism bring their own traits to the table, and testing for both can help sort out whether both conditions are present and if so, how they may be impacting everyday functioning.
Signs That May Point to AuDHD
AuDHD can look different from person to person, and traits frequently blend and overlap rather than remaining completely separate. Here are some signs to watch for.
- Trouble sustaining attention alongside a strong need for routine or predictability
- Sensory sensitivities combined with impulsivity or restlessness
- Social difficulties driven by both communication differences and inattention
- Intense, focused interests paired with difficulty finishing tasks
- Emotional regulation challenges that show up as meltdowns, shutdowns, or irritability
- Masking behaviors that may hide autistic traits, ADHD traits, or both
No single sign or symptom in an internet article can confirm AuDHD. Both conditions should be evaluated by identifying patterns across several areas, along with professional testing for the clearest picture.
How AuDHD Can Show Up Differently in Girls and Women
Girls and women with AuDHD are frequently misdiagnosed or identified later than boys and men.
Overall, autistic traits in girls tend to be quieter and more socially mimicked. Additionally, ADHD traits in females often show up as inattentiveness instead of hyperactivity.
When both conditions are present, girls will often develop strong masking strategies, which makes symptoms harder for teachers, parents, and even clinicians to catch.
All of these factors can lead to years of being told a child is “just anxious” or “a daydreamer” before anyone considers an underlying condition like autism or ADHD, let alone a combination of the two.
If you suspect both may be present for yourself or a loved one, telling your testing provider up front can provide valuable insight and ensure both conditions are considered.
Is AuDHD a Real, Diagnosable Condition?
AuDHD isn’t an official diagnosis, but the experience of having both ADHD and Autism is very real. For years, clinicians weren’t allowed to diagnose both autism and ADHD for one individual. Fortunately, diagnostic guidelines have been updated and today, there is recognition that these two conditions can sometimes co-occur.
So, while a provider won’t litearlly write “AuDHD” as a diagnosis on a report, they can provide a diagnosis of both autism spectrum disorder and ADHD at the same time when indicated.
This combined diagnosis carries the same clinical and legal weight as either diagnosis alone, including for school and workplace accommodations.
How KMN Psych Can Help
If you or your child is showing traits of both autism and ADHD, testing can clarify what’s actually going on.
KMN Psych evaluates for ADHD, autism, and how the two can overlap, using standardized cognitive, attention, and behavioral measures tailored to your specific concerns.
Our comprehensive 15-20 page reports help guide school accommodations, workplace support, and next steps for support.
Call 858-923-4228 or let us verify your insurance to get started.
FAQs
There's no self-test that confirms AuDHD. The clearest signs are attention differences that continue across different settings and social or sensory differences that started in childhood. A professional evaluation is the best way to know for certain whether both conditions are present.
ADHD alone centers on attention regulation and impulsivity. When autism is also present, social communication differences, sensory sensitivities, and a stronger need for routine usually come along with it. Testing can help separate which traits come from which condition.
Girls with AuDHD often mask both autistic and ADHD traits, allowing them to appear organized and socially engaged on the surface while internally struggling with attention, sensory overload, or social exhaustion. This masking often delays diagnosis and identification for both conditions.
AuDHD itself isn't an official diagnosis. Autism and ADHD are each real, diagnosable conditions, and current guidelines allow both to be diagnosed in the same person when testing supports it.
[1] Al Ghamdi, K., & AlMusailhi, J. (2024). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder: Towards better diagnosis and management. Medical Archives, 78(2), 159-163.
[2] Federico, A., Zgodic, A., Flory, K., Hantman, R. M., Eberth, J. M., Mclain, A. C., & Bradshaw, J. (2024). Predictors of autism spectrum disorder and ADHD: Results from the National Survey of Children's Health. Disability and Health Journal, 17, 101512.
[3] Shaw, P. (2024). ADHD and ASD: Time to split or lump? American Journal of Psychiatry, 181(6), 476-478.
