Autism and ADHD Together: What Is AuDHD?

This guide explains what AuDHD means, how autism and ADHD overlap and differ, how they're assessed together, and why support may need to look a little different.

AuDHD is a word many people use to describe being both autistic and having ADHD. It isn't a separate diagnosis. Instead, it means someone has been diagnosed with both, or identifies with both.

Until 2013, the main diagnostic manual didn't allow autism and ADHD to be diagnosed together. Since the DSM-5 changed this, more people have been recognised as having both.

Autism and ADHD co-occur much more often than would be expected by chance. Estimates vary widely between studies, but research suggests that a large proportion of autistic people also have ADHD, and many people with ADHD also have autistic traits.

Because each condition can hide the other, many people are diagnosed with one first, and only recognise the second later.

Some experiences can be common to both:

• difficulties with focus, organisation and planning
• intense interests, or hyperfocus on things that matter to you
• sensory sensitivities
• big emotions that are hard to manage
• finding social situations tiring or confusing
• difficulties with sleep

This overlap is one reason why careful assessment matters. The same behaviour can have different causes.

Autism and ADHD can also seem to contradict each other. Many AuDHD people describe a constant tug-of-war, such as:

• needing routine (autism) but getting bored by routine (ADHD)
• wanting predictability but craving novelty and stimulation
• needing quiet and calm but seeking out sensory input or excitement
• wanting to plan carefully but acting on impulse
• finding social cues hard to read but talking or interrupting a lot

This can feel confusing and exhausting. Understanding that both are present can make these contradictions make sense.

Autistic traits can mask ADHD. For example, a strong need for routine might help someone manage disorganisation, or intense interests might hide difficulties with focus elsewhere.

ADHD traits can also mask autism. For example, being chatty or outgoing might hide social differences, or impulsivity might be seen instead of a need for sameness.

Masking to fit in, which is common in both, can hide both conditions further. This is especially true for women and girls.

A combined autism ADHD assessment looks at both conditions in one process. It usually includes:

• questionnaires about ADHD traits, autistic traits and daily life
• a developmental history, with a parent for children or an informant for adults
• a structured ADHD interview, such as the DIVA-5 for adults
• an autism observation, such as an ADOS-informed session
• a team review of everything together, using DSM-5 or ICD-11 criteria and NICE guidelines

Assessing both together can help clinicians understand which traits come from which condition, and how they interact. It may cost more and take longer than assessing one condition alone.

If you or your child already have one diagnosis, you can still be assessed for the other later.

Support for AuDHD often needs to balance both sets of needs:

• Routines with flexibility: routines that give structure, with built-in variety so they don't become boring
• Sensory awareness: knowing when you need calm, and when you need stimulation
• Energy management: AuDHD people may be at higher risk of burnout, so pacing and recovery time are important
• Medication: ADHD medication may help with ADHD traits, but there's no medication for autism itself. Some people find medication affects things like appetite, sleep or sensory sensitivity, so it's important to talk this through with a prescriber
• Adjustments at school or work: support may need to cover both, such as a quiet workspace and help with organisation

Many AuDHD people also find it helpful to connect with others who share both experiences.

Raiys works nationwide, offering online ADHD and autism assessments for adults, and for children and young people, across the UK. Our experienced, specialist team understands how the two conditions can overlap, and follows NICE guidelines. You'll receive a clear, detailed report you can share with your GP, school or employer.

You'll also have access to the Raiys app, where you can securely read your report and use BeChange, our digital support programme. BeChange helps you understand your diagnosis and build practical, everyday strategies at your own pace, with resources across five areas: Mind, Resilience, Life, Move Matters and Nutrition.

If you're in crisis right now, call 999, go to A&E, or call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time of day or night.

Ready to take the next step? Find out more about our ADHD and autism assessments.

Being AuDHD can feel like living with two different sets of needs. Understanding both can help make sense of the contradictions, and find support that works for the whole of you.