Autism + ADHD Together (AuDHD)

 

 

1. They can co-occur (important change)

• Before 2013, doctors weren’t allowed to diagnose both at the same time
• With the DSM-5 update, that changed
• Now it’s widely accepted that people can have both Autism and ADHD

👉 This is a BIG shift in understanding.

---

2. The combination is more common than people think

• Many people with ADHD show autistic traits, and vice versa
• Some studies suggest:
  • Around 30–50% of autistic people also have ADHD traits
• But it’s often underdiagnosed, especially in:
  • Adults
  • Girls and women

---

3. One condition can hide the other

This is one of the most important points (and something you’ve touched on already):

• ADHD symptoms (like hyperactivity or inattention) may be noticed first
• Autism traits (like sensory issues or social differences) may be:
  • Misinterpreted
  • Missed
  • Or explained away

👉 This is called diagnostic overshadowing

---

4. It’s not just “Autism + ADHD” added together

The APA blog and newer research stress:

👉 It’s a unique profile, not just two conditions stacked

People may experience:

• Focus problems and hyperfocus
• Need for routine and need for novelty
• Social difficulties but also impulsive interaction
• Sensory overload + restlessness

👉 It can feel like internal conflict or contradiction

---

5. Shared biology and genetics

Research suggests:

• Autism and ADHD may share genetic links
• Similar brain pathways are involved
• The overlap is biological, not just behavioural

---

6. Why this matters (especially for your work)

This is key for your training materials:

✔ Better understanding

• Stops people being misdiagnosed
• Helps explain “mixed” or confusing symptoms

✔ Better support

• Support needs to be combined and flexible
• One-size-fits-all approaches don’t work

✔ Mental health link

• When misunderstood, people may develop:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Burnout

---

💬 Simple Easy Read Summary (for your materials)

Autism + ADHD Together

• Some people have both Autism and ADHD
• This is called co-occurring conditions or AuDHD
• One condition can hide the other
• People may feel:
  • Busy but tired
  • Focused but distracted
  • Want routine but also change
• Everyone is different 🌈
• Support should be personal and flexible