AuDHD: Exploring the Link Between ADHD and Autism Traits
- Kaitlyn Boudreault
- Jun 26, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 18
ADHD and autism are two distinct neurotypes, yet they often share overlapping traits and challenges.
Both are forms of neurodivergence and neurodevelopmental difference, which means the brain functions, processes, and interprets information differently than what’s considered “neurotypical.”.
When both ADHD and autism are present in one person, this is often called AuDHD. This is a unique overlap that shapes how individuals experience executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, rejection sensitivity, and sensory overwhelm.
If you are experiencing the unique challenges of both, understanding AuDHD can help you find language, self-acceptance, and the right kind of support. Working with an autism and ADHD coach or AuDHD therapist may be beneficial.
Read on to discover more about ADHD, autism, and the similarities and differences between these two.
What is ADHD? Definition, Traits, and Diagnosis
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental difference and form of neurodivergence that affects attention, motivation, emotional regulation, and executive functioning.
Approximately 366.33 million people worldwide are ADHDers, or about 5% of the global population.
While ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, many go undiagnosed until adulthood, especially women and AFAB individuals who may mask symptoms or be misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression.
Common ADHD traits in adults include:
Lack of focus
Inattention
Inability to sit still
Heightened emotional responses to real or perceived rejection
Hyperfocus
Hyperactivity
Poor planning
Time agnosia (difficulty telling time)
You must have exhibited some of these traits before the age of 12 to be diagnosed with ADHD, and these traits typically impact functioning in core areas of life, such as work or school.
Understanding your ADHD traits is the first step toward identifying support strategies, including ADHD coaching and therapy.
If you are an ADHDer and are seeking support, consider reaching out to an ADHD coach or requesting an ADHD assessment.
What is Autism? Key Traits, Differences, and Support Options
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference characterized by various brain development challenges that affect communication, sensory processing, and social interaction.
Autistic individuals exhibit differing traits and severity levels. Some common traits include:
Differences in social communication and eye contact
Sensory sensitivities (to noise, light, texture, etc.)
Intense focus on specific interests
Repetitive behaviours or stimming
Autism presents differently across individuals, and recognizing autism traits, especially in adults, is key to getting proper support.
Many women and gender-diverse individuals often go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed until adulthood, as they may exhibit less stereotypical signs of autism and more masking behaviours, resulting in burnout.
If you suspect you might be autistic, consider taking an online autism questionnaire for preliminary insights, seeking an official autism diagnosis in Canada, or reaching out to an autism coach for support.
ADHD and Autism Overlap: What Is AuDHD?
Before 2013, a person couldn’t be diagnosed with both ADHD and autism.
However, changes in the DSM-5 criteria allowed for concurrent diagnoses, and some research 36.5% of autistic children meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, while 50 to 70% of autistic individuals exhibit co-occurring ADHD. This makes this dual diagnosis more common than previously thought.
Common AuDHD traits include:
Sensory difficulties and overwhelm
Executive dysfunction (difficulty starting, planning, or finishing tasks)
Imposter syndrome or self-doubt
Emotional dysregulation and strong reactions to real or perceived rejection
Sleep struggles and irregular routines
Hyperfocus on passions, paired with forgetfulness in daily tasks
Each trait can influence how AuDHD individuals navigate the world, presenting unique strengths and challenges compared to non-AuDHD individuals.
You might relate to feeling “too fast and too slow” at the same time. You may have racing thoughts mixed with freeze responses. That’s the duality many AuDHDers describe.
Key Differences Between Autism and ADHD Traits
While both neurotypes share substantial similarities, certain differences exist that can inform separate diagnoses and treatments. Understanding the nuances helps clarify why support strategies differ.
Understanding the differences between ADHD traits and autism traits can help clarify whether a dual diagnosis (AuDHD) may apply.
Co-Occurring Conditions
ADHD and autism often coexist with other neurodivergences and mental health conditions. About 70% of adults with ADHD have at least one additional diagnosis.
Support for AuDHD individuals: Coaching, Therapy, and Accommodations
Supporting AuDHD individuals stems from a neurodivergent-affirming perspective, which recognizes your unique challenges and strengths. The approach emphasizes individualized and holistic support plans rather than attempting to "fix" a person.
This coaching approach recognizes neurodivergence as a strength and encourages individuals to embrace their identities and special interests. This includes affirming all aspects of your identity, such as neuroqueerness. Coaching focuses on leveraging strengths (e.g., creativity, strong visual-spatial abilities) to navigate your unique challenges.
This form of support employs therapeutic modalities (e.g., dialectical behavioral therapy, somatic therapy, internal family systems, and Brainspotting therapy) virtually or in person to help address co-occurring mental health issues.
Accommodations and Environmental Changes
Sometimes your environment may exacerbate your AuDHD traits. To alleviate challenges, individuals may benefit from modifying their environment to suit their disability needs. Noise-canceling headphones, adjusted lighting, microbreaks, and flexibility in work hours can help reduce sensory overload in the workplace and academic settings.
A lot of AuDHD challenges stem from executive dysfunction, including dysregulation and disorganization. Tools to manage time, create structure, and multitask can support AuDHD individuals in navigating daily demands effectively.
Relationship Supports
Couples counselling can facilitate better communication between partners, enabling AuDHD individuals to cultivate meaningful relationships.
Try This: Self-Reflection Exercise for auDHD
Take five minutes to reflect on:
What parts of ADHD and autism resonate with you most?
When do you feel most aligned with your brain, and when do you feel misunderstood?
What kind of support helps you thrive?
This reflection can help deepen your self-awareness and readiness for next steps.
FAQ's about AuDHD
What is AuDHD?
AuDHD refers to individuals who are both autistic and have ADHD. It’s not a separate diagnosis but a way to describe co-occurrence.
Is AuDHD a separate diagnosis?
No, it’s an informal term. Clinicians diagnose autism and ADHD separately, but recognizing the overlap helps tailor support.
How is AuDHD diagnosed in Canada?
Usually, through multidisciplinary assessment where psychologists, psychiatrists, or family doctors may use standardized tools and developmental history. Wait times and coverage vary by province.
Why do autism and ADHD often occur together?
Research shows shared genetic and neurological pathways between the two. Both affect executive function, attention, and sensory processing.
How can I tell if I might be AuDHD?
Common signs include masking, burnout, executive dysfunction, time blindness, and sensory overwhelm that fluctuate across environments.
What supports help people with AuDHD?
Coaching, therapy, occupational therapy, and peer/community support can help with structure, self-understanding, and regulation.
Can you support ADHD and autism at the same time?
Yes. Support often overlaps. For example, executive function strategies, sensory regulation, and self-compassion work benefit both.
Is medication helpful for AuDHD?
Medication can help ADHD traits (like focus and impulsivity) but may not address sensory or social differences linked to autism. It’s important to personalize treatment.
What should I expect in an ADHD or autism assessment?
Typically includes interviews, questionnaires, and developmental history. It’s not a test you can “pass or fail” but an exploration of lifelong patterns.
Where can I find neurodiversity-affirming support?
Look for professionals who understand both ADHD and autism and emphasize strengths-based, affirming approaches, such as those at Blue Sky Learning.
Book a Free Consultation With Blue Sky Learning
Blue Sky Learning provides opportunities for students, professionals, parental guardians, and educators to connect with resources and support for individual growth. Their services emphasize compassion, empathy, and an understanding of intersectionality, working to reduce stigma and empower clients.
If you identify as an AuDHDer and are seeking support from an autism and ADHD coach, consider booking a free 20-minute consultation with the Blue Sky Learning team by emailing hello@blueskylearning.ca or following the provided link.
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