What is AuDHD?

Written by Keri Wiginton
Medically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on April 07, 2025
10 min read

You get overwhelmed easily. You struggle to focus on everyday tasks unless something really grabs your interest. Then your brain won't shut off. 

Maybe you've always felt a little out of sync. Too much in some ways, not enough in others. 

Now your social media feed is full of videos about executive dysfunction and sensory overload. You wonder: Is this me? Could I really have autism and ADHD? 

The short answer: maybe.  

Autism and ADHD were once seen as totally separate. But research – and lived experience – now shows they often overlap. This guide breaks down what it means to be AuDHD, what to do if the label feels like it fits, and why you may have flown under the radar for so long.  

 

AuDHD is a non-clinical term used to describe someone who has both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It's not an official diagnosis, but many psychologists and researchers take it seriously.

AuDHDers often use identity-first language: "I'm AuDHD" rather than "I have AuDHD." This reflects a broader shift toward neurodiversity, which sees brain differences as natural variations in how people think, feel, and take in the world around them instead of something that needs to be fixed. 

Doctors couldn't always diagnose someone with both autism and ADHD. That changed in 2013 when the American Psychiatric Association updated the DSM-5. That's the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. 

 

No one knows for sure, but autism and ADHD are both neurodevelopmental conditions. That means they start to show in early childhood or your teen years. AuDHD doesn't start in adulthood, even if you don't start putting the pieces together until your 30s, 40s, or beyond.  

The biggest factor? Genetics. Both conditions run in families. If your kid gets diagnosed with autism or ADHD, it's not uncommon to look at the list of traits and think, "Wait a minute … that's me." Many adults get curious about their own neurodivergence after their child gets evaluated. 

Other things that make it more likely may include:  

  • Differences in brain structure, development, or chemistry
  • Exposure to environmental toxins before or shortly after birth
  • Maternal health during pregnancy
  • Being born very early
  • Not getting enough oxygen to the brain as a baby

While there's no clear-cut answer, experts agree AuDHD is a neurodevelopmental difference. That means it's something you're born with, not something that's your fault.

How common is it?

There's no exact number for how many people are AuDHD, but research shows a big overlap in those diagnosed with autism or ADHD: 

  • 50%-70% of people with autism also meet the criteria for ADHD.
  • 15%-25% of people diagnosed with ADHD show signs of autism.

For context, in the broader U.S. population, 5.5% to 7.6% of kids and teens have been diagnosed with ADHD, and 1.5% to 4.3% have autism. Late diagnoses are becoming more common in adults, especially in those whose symptoms were missed or misunderstood in childhood. 

Why do so many adults get diagnosed late?

Early autism and ADHD tests were basically designed for children – particularly boys – who stood out, not neurodivergent people who learned to blend in. These tools didn't account for masking or camouflaging (hiding differences to fit in), which girls are often taught to do more than boys.   

As a result, many people – especially women, people of color, and gender-diverse people – got overlooked as kids. 

Sometimes, symptoms may not feel disruptive until life gets more demanding. Big life changes can push coping strategies past their limit. These include:

  • Parenting 
  • Working full time 
  • Living independently 
  • Hormonal shifts such as perimenopause  

A late diagnosis doesn't mean the signs weren't there. Many AuDHDers build lives around avoiding overwhelm, such as: 

  • Wearing earplugs at work
  • Shopping during off-hours
  • Sticking to structured routines

You might even take on leadership roles so you have a kind of social script to follow. 

These self-accommodations aren't always red flags. But what happens when your supports fall away? If regulating emotions, focus, or sensory input feels like a full-time job, that's probably not just a personality quirk. It might be a sign of autism or ADHD.  

Why does it seem like everyone online has AuDHD? 

There's a lot more visibility around neurodivergence, which is a good thing, says Hannah E. Morton, PhD, a psychologist and assistant professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who is also AuDHD. But it's important to be cautious about what you see online, some of which is misinformation. 

Kevin Antshel, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Syracuse University, agrees. Autism and ADHD are among the top-searched mental health topics, and it's easy to mistake everyday traits for signs of AuDHD.

Instead of focusing on a handful of symptoms, Antshel says, ask yourself these key questions:

  • Is something about how I'm living my life causing distress or dysfunction?
  • Would support – a diagnosis, therapy, medication – help make things easier?

If the answer is yes, it's worth talking to a mental health professional. 

Everyone's experience is different, but autism and ADHD each come with their own traits. To get an official diagnosis, you need to meet the measures for both conditions, not just relate to a few traits. You can look up the DSM-5 criteria for autism and ADHD if you want more clinical details.

Autism is often defined by differences in communication, behavior, and sensory processing. If you're autistic, you might: 

  • Struggle with small talk or unspoken social rules.
  • Repeat behaviors or movements (like rocking or hand-flapping).
  • Feel overloaded by certain lights, sounds, touches, textures, or smells.
  • Have intense or focused interests.

ADHD is marked by challenges with attention, impulse control, and executive function (the part of the brain that regulates emotions and helps you get things done). If you have ADHD, you might:

  • Have trouble focusing or choosing what to focus on.
  • Feel constantly restless or fidgety.
  • Interrupt, overshare, or blurt things out without meaning to.
  • Forget appointments, misplace things, or lose track of time. 
  • Procrastinate or feel mentally scattered.

If you're AuDHD, you likely have to juggle both sets of traits. They might balance each other out or pull you in opposite directions, which can be confusing. For example, you might: 

  • Have trouble starting or finishing tasks, even ones you care deeply about.
  • Get overwhelmed easily but need stimulation to concentrate.
  • Feel intense emotions that are hard to control or explain.
  • Have a hard time switching tasks or shifting focus. 
  • Feel exhausted after socializing, even if you had fun.

AuDHDers might also: 

  • Have a lot of energy to put into special interests.
  • Crave routine to feel calm but get bored easily.
  • Get thrown off by unexpected changes but want to try new things.
  • Go quiet when you're around strangers but talk a lot to people you trust.

Without the right support, you may also have symptoms of anxiety, depression, or burnout. 

"That's the stress and overwhelm of trying to get by in a world that just wasn't built for you," says Morton.

If you're looking for clarity, treatment, or accommodations, a formal diagnosis of ADHD or autism can help. But getting there, especially as an adult, often takes time. 

Start with your primary care doctor. You don't need the perfect words. Just describe what your day feels like. Tell them what's changed or what's making life more stressful than it should be. 

You might ask:  

  • Could this be ADHD, autism, or something else?
  • How do I know if I have sensory sensitivities?
  • What's the difference between autism and social anxiety?
  • Can you refer me to someone who works with adults who have ADHD or autism? 

You may need to see a specialist. Even if your regular doctor is familiar with AuDHD, you can ask for a referral to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or behavioral health clinic. Some people work with more than one provider to assess both conditions. 

A full evaluation might include: 

  • Talking through your medical history and current challenges
  • Filling out checklists or questionnaires
  • Interviews with family members or people who know you well
  • Standardized tests that look at thinking, memory, or social understanding

AuDHD Test

There's no single AuDHD test, but some science-backed screening tools can offer a starting point: 

Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Measures social and sensory traits

RAADS-R. Screens for autism in adults who may get missed

CAT-Q. Looks at masking and camouflaging behaviors

ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Screens for inattention, disorganization, impulsivity

A high score doesn't mean you're autistic or have ADHD – only a licensed professional can make that call. But it might mean it's time to dig deeper. 

There's no single treatment for AuDHD. But many people benefit from a multimodal approach, a mix of strategies that support both ADHD and autism traits. That might include:  

Medication. There are no FDA-approved medications to treat the core symptoms of autism. But ADHD symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, or mood issues often respond to: 

  • Stimulants 
  • Non-stimulants
  • Antidepressants
  • Mood stabilizers 

People with autism may be more sensitive to potential side effects like crankiness and sleep issues. That doesn't mean medication is off the table. It just may take more trial and error to find the right fit. 

Therapy. A licensed mental health professional can help with emotion regulation, executive function, and daily life skills. Effective approaches include: 

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 
  • Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Occupational therapy
  • Social skills training

Look for therapists experienced in working with neurodivergent adults. 

Living well with AuDHD doesn't mean fixing yourself. It means building a life that fits your brain. Once you understand how your mind works, you can create systems, boundaries, and routines that support it. 

Here are some ideas to explore: 

  • Track your energy, focus, or sensory patterns.
  • Schedule recovery time after socializing.
  • Use routines or scripts that help you feel safe. 
  • Give yourself permission to say no to things that drain or overwhelm you.
  • Do more of what brings you joy.
  • If possible, find work or hobbies that align with your special interests.
  • Talk to people who know what you're going through.

Whether it's online or in person, connecting with other AuDHDers can help you feel seen, supported, and less alone. If you're looking for autism and ADHD resources, check out: 

Facebook groups geared toward people who are AuDHD include:  

Social media and online forums can help with learning and connection. But keep in mind that they're not a replacement for a diagnosis or treatment. A licensed physician or mental health professional can help you sort through what's going on. 

AuDHD Coach 

An AuDHD coach is someone who helps people with both autism and ADHD figure out how to function better in everyday life. They usually don't diagnose or treat medical conditions. Instead, they work alongside you to identify what's hard, what's working, and what you need to feel supported. 

An AuDHD coach might help with: 

  • Time management and task initiation (aka starting the thing)
  • Building routines or systems that you can stick with
  • Managing overwhelm or sensory overload
  • Breaking down big goals into doable steps
  • Navigating work, school, or relationships

Coaching isn't a substitute for medical care, but it can be useful if you feel stuck, burned out, or unsure how to move forward. 

Environmental changes. Sometimes the biggest relief comes from changing your surroundings, not yourself. That could mean: 

  • Wearing noise-canceling headphones
  • Using visual reminders or checklists
  • Taking breaks before you hit your limit
  • Saying no to social things that drain you
  • Asking for accommodations at work or school

Just remember: You don't need a formal diagnosis to start making helpful changes. 

AuDHD is a term people use to describe what it's like to live with both autism and ADHD. It's not a formal diagnosis, but research shows these conditions often show up together. 

AuDHDers may have trouble focusing, feel overwhelmed by sounds or lights, struggle to manage emotions, and want both routine and new experiences. Treatment usually involves a mix of strategies, like behavioral therapy, changes to your environment, and sometimes medication.  

If you think you might be AuDHD, consider using screening tools like the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), RAADS-R, CAT-Q, or the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). These won't diagnose you, but they can help you decide what to do next. 

A formal diagnosis may involve more than one specialist. You can start by talking to your primary care provider. 

How is AuDHD different from ADHD?

AuDHD refers to having autism and ADHD at the same time. ADHD often involves impulsivity, distractibility, and hyperactivity. Autism adds traits like differences in social  communication, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. 

Is AuDHD a real thing?

AuDHD isn't an official diagnosis, but it reflects a real and common experience. Research shows autism and ADHD frequently co-occur, and many health care professionals are starting to understand this overlap better. 

What does the acronym AuDHD stand for?

AuDHD stands for autism and ADHD. It's a term created by the neurodivergent community to describe what it's like to live with both conditions. 

How rare is AuDHD?

It's not rare. Millions of people live with autism and ADHD. And studies suggest 50% to 70% of people with autism also have ADHD. About 15% to 25% of people with ADHD may meet criteria for autism.

How can you treat AuDHD?

There's no one-size-fits-all approach. Treatment often includes ADHD medication (which may trigger more side effects in people with autism), therapy for emotional regulation and executive function, and support for social or sensory needs.

How do I know if I'm AuDHD?

If you relate to traits of both autism and ADHD – and those traits make your life harder – it's worth looking into. Screening tools like the AQ, RAADS-R, CAT-Q, or ASRS can help you gather information. For a diagnosis, talk to a health care provider who understands neurodevelopmental conditions.