Autism and ADHD often occur together, and many people naturally identify with traits from both neurotypes. This combined experience, known within the community as AuDHD, reflects a unique way of thinking, feeling, learning, and interacting with the world. Until recently, autism and ADHD could not be diagnosed together. This changed with the 2013 update of the DSM 5, which formally allowed co-diagnosis and recognised the significant overlap and frequent co-occurrence of the two conditions.
For children, teenagers, and adults, recognising autism with ADHD can provide language and clarity for patterns that may have felt confusing, misunderstood, or mislabelled for years. Importantly, AuDHD does not mean having two separate conditions layered on top of each other. Instead, it describes a blended neurotype that shapes attention, sensory processing, communication, and emotional regulation in a distinctive and meaningful way.
Understanding Autism with ADHD
Autism with ADHD describes a dual neurotype in which a person meets diagnostic criteria for both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Although they are distinct neurodevelopmental conditions, they share several genetic, neurological, and developmental features. According to CHADD and the American Psychiatric Association, these shared pathways help explain why autism and ADHD frequently co-occur.
People with AuDHD may experience:
- Autistic social communication differences
- ADHD-related inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity
- Sensory sensitivities or sensory seeking behaviours
- Difficulty shifting tasks
- Deep focus on interest areas
- Emotional intensity
- Challenges with executive functioning
Because autism and ADHD influence different aspects of brain function, the combined presentation varies widely. Many neurodivergent individuals describe AuDHD as an identity that finally explains both their strengths and the challenges they’ve faced across their lives.
Why Autism and ADHD Often Co-Occur
Research suggests multiple reasons why autism and ADHD commonly occur together.
Shared Neurological Pathways
Both relate to how the brain manages:
- Attention
- Sensory processing
- Executive functioning
- Emotional regulation
As a result, it is common to see overlapping traits, or traits that influence one another.
Genetic Influences
Family studies indicate significant genetic overlap between autism and ADHD, contributing to their frequent co-occurrence.
Masking and Missed Identification
Autism with ADHD often goes unrecognised, especially in women, AFAB individuals, and those who mask. For example:
- Hyperactivity or restlessness may overshadow autistic communication differences
- Autistic routines may temporarily compensate for ADHD organisational challenges
- Intelligence or “coping” may hide sensory burnout or social fatigue
Environmental Demands
Fast-paced, sensory-intense environments such as classrooms and workplaces can heighten ADHD traits in autistic individuals.
Understanding these influences helps families and clinicians recognise signs earlier and provide appropriate support.
Common Traits of Autism with ADHD
Although no two people experience autism and ADHD the same way, several shared patterns frequently appear.
Attention and Focus Differences
Individuals with autism and ADHD may:
- Shift rapidly between tasks
- Find sustained attention difficult unless deeply interested
- Hyperfocus for long periods on meaningful topics
- Lose track of time or steps when distracted or overwhelmed
These are differences in brain wiring, not signs of carelessness or lack of motivation.
Executive Functioning Challenges
Executive functioning includes planning, sequencing, time management, and task initiation. AuDHD may include:
- Difficulty knowing how to start tasks
- Forgetting steps, deadlines, or items
- Relying heavily on structure and predictability
- Feeling overwhelmed by multi-step instructions
This can influence school performance, work expectations, and daily routines.
Sensory Processing Differences
Autistic sensory sensitivities often become more complex when ADHD is also present. Individuals may:
- React quickly to noise, texture, or light
- Seek movement or sensory input to regulate
- Feel overwhelmed in unpredictable environments
Calm, predictable environments often support focus and emotional regulation.
Emotional Regulation
Emotion can feel intense for individuals with AuDHD. They may:
- Feel emotions deeply and strongly
- Become overwhelmed quickly, especially during transitions
- Need recovery time after social or sensory overload
- Take longer to settle after distress
Despite these challenges, many AuDHD individuals show empathy, insight, and fairness.
Social Experiences
Social interaction can be shaped by both autism and ADHD. This may look like:
- Interrupting unintentionally
- Missing subtle social cues
- Needing clarity or predictability in communication
- Experiencing social fatigue after prolonged interaction
Many individuals form strong, authentic relationships when their communication styles and sensory needs are understood.
Strengths of Autism with ADHD
A neuro affirming perspective acknowledges the many strengths in AuDHD, including:
- Creativity and innovative thinking
- Strong pattern recognition
- Deep curiosity
- Attention to detail
- Intuitive problem solving
- Loyalty and honesty
- High engagement in interest areas
Recognising these strengths is essential for confidence and wellbeing.
Challenges in Recognising AuDHD
Diagnosing autism with ADHD can be complex because traits may mask or mimic one another. ADDitude Magazine highlights that:
- Hyperfocus can hide inattention
- Sensory overwhelm may look like restlessness
- Autistic routines may conceal organisational difficulties
- Impulsivity may overshadow communication differences
Because of this, many adults are not identified until later in life, especially those who masked through childhood or adolescence.
Support Strategies for AuDHD
Support is most effective when it considers both autism and ADHD traits together.
Environmental Supports
- Reduce sensory load
- Offer quiet, predictable spaces
- Allow movement breaks
- Use visual schedules or planners
Executive Function Supports
- Break tasks into smaller steps
- Use timers or alarms
- Adopt consistent routines
- Support organisation and planning
Emotional and Social Supports
- Validate emotional experiences
- Practise co-regulation
- Allow recovery time
- Use preferred communication styles
Interest-Based Approaches
Many individuals thrive when learning or working through their strengths and special interests.
When to Consider an Assessment
An ADHD Assessment alongside an Autism Assessment may be helpful when someone experiences ongoing patterns that affect their wellbeing across school, home, work, or relationships. For example, many people seek clarity when sensory environments feel overwhelming or unpredictable, or when maintaining attention across tasks becomes difficult. Others notice long-standing impulsive or restless behaviour, or experience social fatigue, miscommunication, or misunderstandings in group settings.
Emotional intensity can also play a role, particularly when feelings become hard to regulate during transitions or moments of sensory overload. Some individuals find it challenging to manage routines, organise daily tasks, or shift between activities, which can create frustration or a sense of falling behind. Burnout is another common experience, especially for those who have masked traits for years in order to cope or fit in.
When these patterns feel persistent, confusing, or exhausting, an assessment can bring clarity and support. Understanding Autism and ADHD provides a helpful framework for school adjustments, workplace accommodations, NDIS planning, and overall wellbeing.
Final Thoughts
Autism with ADHD, or AuDHD, is a meaningful neurotype that reflects a unique blend of strengths, challenges, and sensory experiences. When recognised and supported, individuals with autism and ADHD can thrive across home, school, work, and community settings. With the right understanding and guidance, people can develop personalised strategies, build confidence, and feel empowered.
If you or your child are exploring autism with ADHD, our clinicians at Hively Health are here to provide warm, neuro-affirming support every step of the way. We offer a range of assessments, ongoing support, and therapy to help guide you on your path. Contact us today.
