By Varsha Seshadri
What is AuDHD?
In simple terms, AuDHD is the combination of both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As these disorders are both very similar and have differences, they have a high comorbidity with each other, meaning that someone with ASD can have ADHD and vice versa. In fact, around 50% of people diagnosed with ADHD have autism, and around 80% of people diagnosed with autism have ADHD.
An Overview of Autism
Autism spectrum disorder, commonly known as just autism or ADHD, is a developmental disorder which impacts learning and social communication. It is characterized as a disorder consisting of social difficulties, repetitive motions and behaviors, and delays in development. Often, children with autism are non-verbal, meaning that they are unable to talk. In this, it’s important to recognize that ASD is a spectrum, where every person with autism has a different combination of delays and symptoms. This being said, some of the symptoms of autism:
● Struggle keeping eye contact
● Being fixated on interests (having an extreme interest in something)
● Lining up toys and objects
● Being irritated by changes in routine
● Unusual eating or sleeping habits
● A lack of general understanding regarding social norms
● Being too little or too sensitive to stimuli
While autism has no cure, therapy can be helpful in making life a little easier for people diagnosed with autism.
An Overview of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADD or ADHD, is one of the most common disorders impacting children. There are three main types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation, and combined presentation. The main characteristics of ADHD are inattentiveness (the inability to focus and pay attention for a long time), hyperactivity (excessive movement), and impulsivity (doing something without any prior thought). Similar to ASD, ADHD falls into the neurodiverse umbrella of developmental disorders. In addition, while there are medications and therapies that can make life easier, there’s not real cure for ADHD. Some of the common symptoms of ADHD are as follows:
● Disorganization
● Problems prioritizing tasks
● Low frustration tolerance
● Poor time management skills
● Forgetfulness
● Poor stress management
● Temper issues
Similarities and Differences between Autism and ADHD
Autism and ADHD often have many shared symptoms, like impulsivity, poor executive function, trouble in social situations, and emotional dysregulation. However, ADHD and autism can conflict with each other as people with ADHD often enjoy impulsive and spontaneous activities, something autism cannot stand as autistic people often find comfort in routines. In addition, sensory sensitivities, which is a core characteristic of autism, in ADHD, sensory sensitivities are there but are not a defining characteristic like in autism.
The Paradox of Having AuDHD
An individual with both autism and ADHD will often face clashing symptoms, leading to a paradox. For example, as ADhD is characterized as being unable to focus on a topic at a time, one might jump from task to task. Meanwhile, people with autism can focus on a task for obscene amounts of time, as they hate being interrupted. Hence, when ADHD and autism are combined, people can have a struggle focusing while focusing for long periods at a time. This is just one example of the way AuDHD intersects ADHD and autism.
However, AUDHD is not an official diagnosis. It often requires both the diagnoses of ADHD and ASD.
References
Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (2023, January 25). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 21, 2025, from
Knudsen, H. (n.d.). ADHD and Autism: A Paradoxical Experience. Advanced Counseling. https://www.advancedcounselingbozeman.com/blog/adhd-and-autism-a-paradoxical-expe rience
Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. (n.d.). Center of Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/autism/signs-symptoms/index.html
The Sudden Rise of AuDHD : Coexistence of ADHD and Autism. (n.d.). Behavioral Innovations. Retrieved January 21, 2025, from
What is ADHD? (n.d.). American Psychiatry Association. Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd
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