Understanding AuDHD: Insights into the Autism and ADHD Intersection

By: Dani Rodwell

The AuDHD experience continues to be a growing conversation about the very multifaceted and nuanced experience of being multiply neurodivergent. While both autism and ADHD have been individually recognized for decades (in very limited, biased and stereotypical ways), their co-existence and how they manifest together has been even more historically overlooked and under researched. In this article, we shine a light on the invisible struggles faced by individuals who hold AuDHD identities.

Examining the AuDHD experience is essential to increase your understanding, support and guidance for yourself and other AuDHDers in your life. It is equally as important for providers to be equipped to work with those with these particular brain styles. By delving into the challenges and unique perspectives of AuDHDers, we hope to increase awareness, acceptance, respect, and recognition.

From differences with social interactions, to executive functioning differences, to sensory sensitivities and trouble with emotional regulation, AuDHD presents an intricate interplay of experiences, strengths and challenges. We explore the ways in which autism and ADHD intertwines, influencing behaviors, learning styles, and daily life.

We aim to shed light on the compounded struggles faced by AuDHD adults, through our neurodivergent affirming assessment, therapy, coaching, advocacy, and education. By contributing to increased awareness and a deeper understanding, we can work to dismantle neuronormativity and set the stage for a more inclusive society that supports and nurtures many different ways of being.
 

Understanding AuDHD

Autism and ADHD are neurotypes that are often misunderstood and misrepresented. Autism is a neurotype that affects social interaction, information processing, communication, and behavior. It is characterized by a range of experiences and behaviors that can vary immensely from person to person. ADHD is a neurotype that is characterized by differences in attention, executive functioning, reward-seeking and activity levels.
 

The overlap that often exists within AuDHD

While autism and ADHD are distinct diagnoses, there is no doubt about the overlap between them. Many autistic individuals also have ADHD, and vice versa. This overlap can make it challenging to differentiate between the two conditions, especially for providers who lack training and speciality in AuDHD and how they present together. Both autism and ADHD can present difficulties with social interactions, executive functioning, sensory sensitivities, and emotional regulation, and it’s common for unspecialized providers to fall into the trap of diagnostic overshadowing. This happens when a provider diagnoses one thing, and writes off other possibilities, without recognizing that more than one neurodivergence can be simultaneously experienced by a person. Understanding the AuDHD neurotype  is crucial for providing appropriate support.
 

Challenges faced by AuDHD adults

AuDHD adults face a unique set of challenges that manifest in various aspects of their lives. Social interactions can be particularly challenging, as AuDHD individuals may struggle with relationships, emotional regulation, and communication. Executive functioning differences can also pose difficulties, affecting organizational skills, time management, and task completion (even though the autistic brain craves order, the ADHD brain makes this difficult to implement and sustain). Sensory sensitivities, such as hypersensitivity to noise or touch, can lead to sensory overload, distress, and burnout. Additionally, trouble with emotional regulation can result in heightened emotional responses (such as those experienced by both PDAers and those who experience RSD) or difficulty identifying and expressing needs (thereby impacting their ability to get these needs met).
 

Misdiagnosis and the importance of accurate assessment

Due to the overlap between autism and ADHD, misdiagnosis is unfortunately very common. Many individuals may receive a diagnosis of one condition while also having experiences of the other. This can lead to ineffective or incomplete support strategies. Accurate assessment is crucial for understanding the unique profile of each individual and providing appropriate support. It is essential for healthcare professionals to be sufficiently trained in AuDHD and conduct thorough assessments to ensure accurate diagnoses.
 

Strategies for AuDHDers

AuDHD requires a multi-faceted approach. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, as each individual's needs and experiences are vastly different. However, there are strategies that can be helpful in managing the challenges associated with AuDHD. Developing routines and structure can provide a sense of predictability and stability for the autistic neurotype, but the ADHD neurotype also needs a healthy amount of novelty and reward-seeking. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make them more achievable. Implementing visual supports, such as schedules or visual cues, can aid in organization and communication. Additionally, incorporating sensory accommodations and prioritizing strategies for self-regulation can support individuals with sensory or social sensitivities.
 

Support and resources for individuals with autism and ADHD

A variety of support and resources are available for AuDHD adults. Support groups, online communities, and community organizations provide a platform for individuals to connect, share experiences, and receive guidance. Academic or occupational accommodations can ensure that individuals receive appropriate support or adjustments to enable their optimal performance in their roles in a sustainable way. Therapy, especially neurodiversity-affirming therapy, can help individuals develop coping strategies, work through social struggles, and manage their emotions. It is crucial for individuals and their families to seek out these resources that cater to their unique neurodivergence. For those who are looking for non-clinical support tailored to their needs, coaching can be incredibly beneficial.
 

Advocacy and raising awareness about AuDHD

Advocacy plays a vital role in raising awareness about AuDHD. By advocating for awareness and acceptance, especially by centering those with lived experiences, we can challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions associated with both autism and ADHD. Education and awareness efforts by lived experience advocates and allies can help dispel misconceptions and foster a more accepting and inclusive society. It is essential to amplify the voices and experiences of AuDHDers, as their perspectives are often overlooked. By promoting dialogue and sharing knowledge, we can work to challenge neuronormativity and embrace neurodiversity.
 

The role of therapy in AuDHD

Therapy can be incredibly helpful for AuDHD adults who feel broken, ashamed, frustrated, burnt-out, misunderstood and marginalized by their differences.  Neurodiversity-affirming therapeutic approaches can be beneficial in addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals who often face big emotions and significant challenges. Therapy provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to learn and grow, enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life.
 

Personal stories and lived experiences of AuDHD adults

Personal stories of those with lived experiences are invaluable in gaining impactful insight about AuDHD. Each individual has a unique journey, so learning about a wide range of experiences and sharing these stories can provide a deeper understanding of the variety of challenges and triumphs of AuDHD adults. By listening to and honoring these experiences, we can foster empathy, promote acceptance, and challenge societal norms. Personal stories serve as powerful tools for advocacy and education, creating a space for individuals to be seen and heard.
 

Embracing neurodiversity and promoting neuroinclusion

The intersection of autism and ADHD is an important aspect of the neurodiversity conversation. By shedding light on the struggles faced by individuals with AuDHD identities, we can increase understanding, support, and recognition. It is crucial to acknowledge and address the unique challenges faced by AuDHD individuals. Through accurate assessment, appropriate support, connection with community, and access to resources, we can foster a more neuroinclusive society that embraces neurodiversity.