Understanding AuDHD: What It Is and How to Get Support

YouTube educator Chris was a child when he was first diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but he didn’t get his autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis until he was in his 40s. Like many people who have recently received this dual diagnosis, he’s only now truly learning what it means to be “AuDHD”. This includes an acute awareness of the tension and overlap of traits and how to manage their impact. 

‍

"AuDHD is when somebody has co-occurring diagnoses of both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),” says Jacqueline Shinall, PsyD, Quality Control and Reliability Lead Psychologist at Prosper Health.

‍

And in true neurodivergent fashion, Chris is learning everything he can about the management of AuDHD. As the cofounder of Audicate, an educational vlog about managing Autism and ADHD, he makes popular videos that teach others about what it’s like to live with both disorders. 

‍

“AuDHD isn’t a rare overlap—it’s much more common than anyone realized prior to the dual diagnosis,” says Chris. “But diagnostic data is going to take time to catch up to that. And when you don’t know you’re both, you can end up blaming yourself for contradictions: ‘Why do I want change but resist it? Why am I both restless and rigid?’ Understanding both diagnoses brings compassion and clarity.”

‍

As awareness grows and diagnostic criteria evolve, more and more people are being diagnosed with both conditions. 

‍

That’s why, if you have been diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, or suspect you might be an AuDHDer it’s essential to understand the overlaps and interactions between the characteristics. Because just as these traits will manifest differently for every autistic and ADHD individual, the same goes for people with AuDHD. 

‍

It’s like if you were to give yellow and blue paint to a group of children and tell them to make green—every shade will be different. And your unique shade will inform what level of support you need and the accommodation strategies that will help you thrive. 

‍

Whatever stage of your neurodivergent journey you’re at, Prosper Health can help.

As stated above, AuDHD is a non-medical term that encompasses the experiences of people who are living with both disorders. 

‍

That means, if you have AuDHD, you meet the minimum basic criteria for diagnosis of both ADHD and Autism—both neurodevelopmental conditions that create differences in sensory processing, social communication, and cognition. Generally, most AuDHDers receive one diagnosis first, then eventually get a second one. 

‍

While AuDHD—pronounced auw-dee-H-D—is a non-clinical term and not technically a diagnosis, it has been colloquially adopted by the neurodivergent community and is a combined abbreviation you’ll hear a lot. We’ll be using it throughout the article for the sake of clarity and consistency.

‍

Since the term “AuDHD” has only existed for about ten years, it may not immediately seem like a common overlap. In fact, doctors couldn’t even diagnose a patient with co-occurring ADHD and ASD until 2013, when the American Psychiatric Association updated the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

‍

That said, one study from 2022 notes that, among autistic individuals, about 50-70% are estimated to also have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point. A 2025 study showed that 59.3% of adults with ASD had a co-existing diagnosis of ADHD. 

‍

Additional research shows, at least in children, that “among individuals with ADHD, somewhere around 10 to 13 percent—or 1 in 8—are diagnosed with ASD in their lifetime,” says Dr. Doyle Andrew Carson, PhD.

‍

“For adults, I believe ADHD is diagnosed before autism more frequently,” says Dr. Shinall. Why? “There are more psychologists who can assess ADHD, historically there has been less stigma with ADHD compared to autism, and there is a high ability to mask the core traits of autism,” Dr. Shinall explains. 

‍

"ADHD doesn’t explain everything," says Chris, "and a lot of people eventually realize they’re missing a big piece of the puzzle. That’s when autism enters the picture. For me, it was realizing that masking, sensory sensitivities, and social struggles couldn’t be explained away by ADHD alone.”

‍

That said, the diagnosis of both ADHD and Autism at once seems rare. “I do know that it is not common, but that is largely due to lack of availability of psychologists who can test for both simultaneously,” says Dr. Shinall.

‍

Still, because AuDHD is not technically a diagnosable disorder itself, research on the comorbidity of ASD and ADHD is limited. 

‍

Autism and ADHD share a lot of common traits—like a tendency toward hyperfocus, stimming, and senory overstimulation. But they also diverge in some very interesting ways, which can make people who have AuDHD feel like they’re in a constant game of mental tug-of-war.

‍

Autism and ADHD Similarities

‍

ADHD and autism share several traits in common. Dr. Shinall says that these can include:

‍

• Having strong interests or areas of hyperfocus
• Challenges with conversing or engaging outside of those interests
• Interrupting during conversations or when attempting to join others in conversations
• Feeling exhausted or fatigued after social engagements
• Difficulty when routines are disrupted or changed, but also a preference for having routines
• Difficulty maintaining friendships, and an “out of sight, out of mind” experience when it comes to relationships
• Sensory differences: Being sensitive to sound, textures (in food, clothing, touch), or getting overstimulated in busy environments
• Seeking sensory stimulation, or repeated sensory behaviors, aka “stimming” 

‍

One of the reasons that many neurodivergent people may not realize they have both ADHD and autism is due to the commonalities in the traits and behaviors associated with both disorders.

‍

In that sense, AuDHD can amplify those traits, causing them to stand out even more. 

But even in the traits that overlap, the behaviors may be happening for different reasons.

‍

Autism and ADHD Differences

‍

Given the overlap in traits found with both disorders, it can be hard to pinpoint where one ends and the other begins. But ADHD and autism can also be quite contrary to each other, which makes things even more difficult. There can also be substantial differences in the way these disorders present, causing additional friction. 

‍

ADHD brains tend to:

‍

• Crave novelty and stimulation, chasing that dopamine hit
• Struggle with routine-building 
• Have difficulty regulating attention
• Quickly lose interest on previous hyperfixations 

Autistic brains tend to: 

‍

• Crave routines and stability
• Intensely hyperfocus on long-term interests
• Lean toward literal thinking and have trouble with abstract concepts

‍

“When you put autism and ADHD together in one brain, you get contradictions,” says Chris. “My ADHD brain craves novelty and stimulation, while my autistic brain craves predictability and routine. I do things sometimes where I put myself in situations because I need stimulation for my ADHD brain, but then I'm miserable within a few minutes because my autistic side is screaming, ‘What are you doing to me?! Get me out of here!’"

‍

‍

Both ADHD and Autism bring with them their fair share of challenges—but like with all forms of neurodivergence, AuDHD also brings with it some real strengths—and in many cases, the co-occurrence of ADHD and autism amplifies those strengths.

• Quick Thinking Problem-Solvers: People with both Autism and ADHD tend to be quick, adept thinkers and problem-solvers, seeing puzzles as fun challenges. 
• Big Picture Thinkers: People with AuDHD tend to be creative and think outside the box when it comes to problem-solving.
• Strong Attention to Detail: People with AuDHD are highly attentive to both the bigger picture and the small elements that make a system work.
• Hyperfocus is a Super-Strength: When put to good use, AuDHD hyperfocus can mean superior productivity! 

That said, every AuDHDer brings a different mix of neurodivergent traits to the table. While some may lean heavily on creativity, for example, others will thrive on creating systems and routines.

“Don't expect everything to fall into place right after getting diagnosed,” says Chris. “It takes time, patience, and understanding, even with readjusting your expectations of your own energy." 

‍

‍Getting a diagnosis for ADHD and Autism together—or even separately—can be a difficult process to navigate. So, how do you navigate getting an AuDHD diagnosis? 

‍

“There are not necessarily defining traits for AuDHD that are not part of the diagnostic criteria for ASD or ADHD,” says Dr. Shinall. So, in order to be considered AuDHD, “someone must meet the full diagnostic criteria for both ADHD and ASD.”

‍

Start your research by talking to over people with the diagnoses, reading scientific articles, and watching educational videos about both ADHD and Autism, to “learn the language to describe what you’re going through,” Chris says. “Remember: self-understanding is so valuable, even before or without an official diagnosis.”

‍

ADHD Diagnostic Criteria

‍

There are three subsets of ADHD, and to meet the diagnosis, adults would need at least 5 of these traits present from an early age, says Dr. Shinall. Specifically:

‍

• Inattentive: easily distracted, often forgetful in daily activities, loses or misplaces items, avoids/dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort, has difficulty organizing and planning, struggles to follow instructions, and poor attention to details.
  
  
• Hyperactive/Impulsive: Frequently fidgets or squirms in seat, talks excessively, interrupts/blurts out before others are done speaking, difficulty waiting their turn, is impulsive in actions, runs/climbs when not appropriate, and has difficulty doing things quietly.
  
  
• Combined type: Would require 5 traits from inattentive and 5 traits from hyperactive subtypes to get this diagnosis. 

A person with AuDHD could have any of these three types of ADHD, in addition to autism spectrum disorder. That said, “there is not enough research currently to know if any one subtype of ADHD overlaps with autism at a greater rate than others,” says Dr. Shinall.

‍

Prosper Health does not currently provide formal diagnoses for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, Prosper does provide neurodivergent-affirming therapy for those diagnosed with ADHD or who suspect ADHD (and other forms of neurodivergence).

‍

Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Criteria

‍

To receive a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, “there are seven core autism criteria split across two categories, social communication and restricted or repetitive behaviors,” says Dr. Shinall.

‍

“To get a diagnosis, someone must meet criteria for all three of the subcategories in the social communication section. They also need to meet criteria for at least two of the four subcategories of the restricted or repetitive behaviors.”

‍

So, to receive an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, a patient must meet a minimum of five of the seven criteria—with three of those being in the social-communication category.

‍
Here are the breakdowns of behaviors for autism spectrum disorder diagnostic criteria:

‍

Social Communication

‍

• Social-Emotional Reciprocity: This is a difference in how the person approaches social situations and manages the back-and-forth dynamics of interaction, including the way they share interests with others and understand emotions
• Nonverbal Communication: Differences in how they understand and use nonverbal communication cues, including abnormal eye contact and body language, and difficulty with understanding the use of nonverbal cues like facial expressions and gestures
• Relationships: Differences in developing and maintaining relationships with other people (beyond caregivers). This might include a lack of interest in others and differences in the way they respond to social contexts and situations

‍

Restricted or Repetitive Behaviors

‍

• ‍Repetitive Behaviors: Stereotyped or repeated motor movements, use of objects or speech‍
• Sameness/Routines: Inflexibility around routines or rituals and extreme distress around small changes. Difficulty with transitions.
• Interests: Strong development of special interests with a great deal of intensity or focus
• Sensory: Hyper- or hypo reactivity to sensory input—i.e. indifference or extreme reactions sensory situations, like the tag on a sweater or specific smells

‍

In diagnosing both ADHD and ASD, says Dr. Shinall, “symptoms must be present early in the developmental period,” but may not come to light until social demands are increased over time. And, as is the case for either diagnosis, the traits must cause some sort of “functional impairment,” she adds.

‍

“For both diagnoses, they also need to cause some kind of challenge for the person across different settings. In other words, symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning.”

Like Chris, many people don’t receive an AuDHD diagnosis until later in life—and that is especially true for diagnosing AuDHD in women. 

‍

There are many reasons someone with AuDHD may be diagnosed later in life—and those are often the same reasons people may receive a delayed ADHD or autism diagnosis. These reasons might include:

‍

• Gender Identity and AuDHD: women and female-presenting people are diagnosed with AuDHD at lower rates and often later in life than male-presenting people because of gender bias and stereotypes about what both autism and ADHD look like in both children and adults. 
• LGBTQIA+ AuDHD Diagnosis: Queer people tend to have a higher rate of diagnosis of both autism and ADHD, which means LGBTQIA+ people likely have a higher rate of AuDHD occurrence as well.
• Masking: Many undiagnosed adults have spent their lives masking—or hiding the traits of their neurodivergence—either purposefully or without fully realizing they are doing so. 

Living with AuDHD is a lifelong effort, and something you'll eventually become a pro at managing. With proper support you can do a lot more than just get by—you can thrive. “I’ve had to let go of the idea of ‘fixing’ myself—it’s more about adapting life to fit my brain,” says Chris. “And sharing that with others, hearing what they try and what works – it's really powerful in reframing what it means to have AuDHD as an adult.”

‍

Understanding your diagnosis is the first step in learning how to manage your brain—and your life. Making the necessary lifestyle and care adjustments is essential. “Some days, you'll spend the day overstimulated and in bed. But as you make adjustments, you won't feel burnt out as often," says Chris.

‍

Therapy

‍

Therapy is a key component in treatment for both ADHD and Autism, so it makes sense that it would also be an important part of the treatment plan for patients with AuDHD. 

‍

“Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most evidence-based treatment used for ADHD and autism spectrum disorder,” says Dr. Shinall. “Other evidence-based treatments include dialectical behavioral therapy and mindfulness.” Group therapy can also be beneficial.

‍

Medication

‍

Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also play a role in managing AuDHD. This medication is used to treat ADHD specifically, as there is no pharmacological treatment for Autism. 

‍

Medications frequently prescribed for patients with AuDHD might include Methylphenidate (Ritalin or Concerta) and Amphetamines (Adderall).

‍

But keep in mind: AuDHD is a dual diagnosis of both ADHD and ASD, so “you need to manage both,” says Dr. Carson.

‍

Therefore, thoughtful “medication management is important,” says Dr. Shinall. “Adults should work closely with their psychiatrist, because medications can impact people very differently, and there is some research to say people with autism are differently affected by certain medications.”

‍

Lifestyle and Environmental Supports

‍

For Chris—and many neurodivergent people like him—finding community has been critical. 

‍

“Part of why we began our YouTube channel was because I couldn't find many voices or experiences that were like mine,” he says. “Realizing that other people have similar experiences has been so helpful. Suddenly I'm not the weird one who no one understands—there's a whole bunch of us, and more and more who are realizing we're autistic and AuDHD as adults.”

‍

Take time to figure out what accommodations are right for you. This might look like a pair of noise cancelling headphones and some fidget toys, or making sure your house is full of cozy lighting that isn’t overstimulating. 

‍

Or maybe you put a whiteboard by your front door where you make notes of things to remember before you leave the house and keep a white noise machine on the bedside table. There are so many options for accommodating AuDHD, you just need to figure out what works best for you. 

‍

“Don't expect everything to fall into place right after getting diagnosed!” says Chris. “I had to learn this one myself. You can't just snap your fingers and it changes. It takes time, patience, and understanding, even with readjusting your expectations of your own energy.”

‍

‍

If this article deeply resonated with you, you might be reflecting on the possibility of being AuDHD yourself. This is a big question worth investigating, and Prosper Health can help. 

‍

• Diagnosis: Prosper Health can facilitate your diagnostic journey via telehealth autism assessments from providers who specialize in working with autistic adults. And yes, insurance is accepted.
• Therapy: Prosper Health also provides ongoing, individualized support for AuDHDers through neurodiversity-affirming therapy. Prosper Health’s therapists specialize in supporting neurodivergent adults, but they also have a range of other specialties. Prosper Health can match you with the right therapist to work with you toward your goals for your mental health, so you can thrive with AuDHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

‍

How is AuDHD different from ADHD?

AuDHD is a non-clinical word used by people who have both an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder diagnosis and an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, rather than just one or the other.

What ADHD medication are used for AuDHD?

Stimulant medications—including Methylphenidate (Ritalin or Concerta) and Amphetamines (Adderall) may be used to treat and manage ADHD symptoms in patients with AuDHD. However, it’s critical to work closely with your medical practitioner. Such medications may have a stronger or adverse effect in patients who are also diagnosed with ASD. 

‍

Is AuDHD a real diagnosis?

At this time, it is not a medical diagnosis, but a term adopted by people who have the dual diagnosis of ADHD and ASD. 

‍