What is AuDHD?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are both neurodevelopmental conditions. That means they affect how the brain develops and functions. They’re very different. But many people have both.

Some people use the term AuDHD to refer to this mix of ASD and ADHD. If you have AuDHD, you’re far from alone.¹ Still, it’s more common to just have ADHD rather than to have AuDHD.

If you think you may have one or both conditions, or just want to know more about AuDHD, read on. Learn more about when ASD and ADHD occur together.

What is ADHD

ADHD is a common condition that can make it hard to pay attention, keep still, and control your impulses. It’s a problem with a key group of mental skills called executive function. 

People used to think of ADHD as a disorder that only kids (mainly boys) have. But it’s a lifelong condition that affects people of all ages and genders. ADHD affects many skills and functions and can make school, work, and relationships more challenging.²

Researchers don’t yet know the exact cause of ADHD. But genetics likely play a role since ADHD appears to run in families. Studies show that kids with ADHD are more likely to have a close relative who also has it.

Symptoms of ADHD

There are three main symptoms of ADHD. People with ADHD may have all of these challenges, or just some of them.

• Inattention: This includes having a hard time paying attention. You may have trouble following directions. It may be difficult to stay on task or keep things organized.

• Hyperactivity: This usually shows up as excess energy. You may feel restless and have the urge to fidget or move around. You may be talkative when you need to be quiet.

• Impulsivity: This is a lack of self-control that shows up in many ways. It may be a struggle to manage emotions. Or you may engage in risky behavior or act without thinking.

If you have ADHD, you may also have sensory challenges. Certain sights, sounds, textures, and tastes may be hard to process and manage. (These challenges are common for people with ASD, and may be more severe for them.)

ADHD symptoms can be different from one person to the next. They can also range in intensity and change over time.

Signs of ADHD may appear in preschool.³ Symptoms usually grow more noticeable over the next few years. ADHD symptoms don’t just “go away” in adulthood. But for some people, they may lessen or change. 

What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

ASD is a lifelong condition that affects how you communicate and interact with others and the world around you. 

Researchers don’t yet know what causes ASD. But they think genetics are part of it. ASD seems to run in families. You’re more likely to have ASD if you have a sibling who has it. 

Symptoms of ASD

ASD is called a “spectrum” disorder because it covers a broad range of symptoms. The official diagnostic criteria for ASD includes:⁴

• Trouble communicating and interacting with others

• Repetitive behaviors 

• Limited areas of interest and activity

Sensory challenges are also a key sign of ASD. You might be oversensitive to information that comes in through your senses. That includes sounds, tastes, touch, and light. You can be undersensitive, too.

ASD signs are noticeable when babies are around a year old.⁵ Symptoms can be mild or they can make it very difficult to do day-to-day things. 

For example, one person may feel uncomfortable at the grocery store but be able to finish their shopping. Another person may not be able to be in the store at all. 

Similarities 

ASD and ADHD don’t just overlap. They share some of the same signs, even if the cause is different. These include:

• Being very talkative about interests

• Struggling with social cues

• Being very focused on a specific topic

• Having trouble maintaining eye contact

• Being highly sensitive to sensory input like noise, tastes, and touch

• Having trouble paying (and shifting) attention

Researchers don’t know the exact cause of either condition. But they believe that genetics play a role in both ADHD and ASD, since they both run in families.

There may also be a genetic link between the two conditions. A person with ASD has a greater chance of having a close family member with ADHD. But that connection is still being studied.

Differences 

ADHD and ASD differ in a few ways. They may create similar challenges. But it’s for different reasons. 

For instance, both can make social interaction difficult. With ASD, trouble with communication and interaction is a key symptom. That’s not the case with ADHD. But ADHD symptoms like impulsivity can affect communication and interaction. 

ADHD symptoms can appear as early as age 3, but most kids are diagnosed during elementary school.³ Kids may meet developmental milestones, but they can seem “younger” than they are because their brain takes longer to develop.

Next steps 

If you think you have ADHD, ASD, or both, the first step is to get evaluated. Your health care provider may be able to give you the name of a specialist who can assess you for both conditions.

There are a few types of professionals who evaluate adults for ADHD and ASD. They include:

• Psychologists

• Psychiatrists

• Neurologists 

If you’re diagnosed with one or both conditions, you may be able to get accommodations at work. Accommodations can help remove barriers or set up supports so you can do your best work. 

Also, connecting with other people with AuDHD can be a game-changer. You can find support, share strategies, and feel a sense of belonging — maybe for the first time. 

Summary

AuDHD is a term some people use to describe having both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD. The two conditions often occur together. They also have some overlap. 

For example, both can affect attention, behavior, and social skills. But their main symptoms are very different. 

Key symptoms of ADHD include trouble with attention and self-control. The main symptom of ASD is trouble with social communication and interaction. Symptoms of both conditions can vary from person to person. 

Both ASD and ADHD are caused by differences in how the brain develops and functions. Many researchers also believe that genetics play a big role in each, since they both run in families.

Related resources

We have a wide range of resources on ADHD and other types of neurodivergence — including podcasts, videos, articles, and personal stories. 

Listen: An ADHD coach on being a defiant teen, ADHD overwhelm, and self-care

Watch: My experience with undiagnosed ADHD

Read: Masking my ADHD at work was exhausting, so I stopped