We explain more about AuADHD, the connection between ADHD and autism, and finding support

AuADHD is a term you may have seen popping up more and more often in recent years. But what is AuADHD, and how does it differ from ADHD?

What does AuADHD mean?

A term adopted by many within the deurodivergent community, AuADHD is a combination of two different deurodivergent labels: autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). AuADHD is a term used by some people who have either been diagnosed as both autistic and ADHD, as well as by those with a single or no official diagnosis who feel that they have symptoms or signs generally associated with both.

AuADHD is a label created within the autistic and ADHD communities that many find helpful as it encompasses their experiences while offering a sense of belonging and community, while helping them to better understand their behaviour and personality.

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Disorder or neurotype?

While official diagnosis may still label ADHD and ASD as neurodevelopmental disorders, there has been a shift towards recognising these as different neurotypes rather than disorders. This shift in language is still ongoing, however many within the autistic community and many researching autism are pushing for neurotypes to be used instead of the term ‘disorder’, due to the stigma that can often come with focusing the more negative aspects (emphasising impairments or distress) rather than recognising and valuing neurological differences.

How common is AuADHD? 

While it’s estimated that around 5% of children and 3-4% of adults have ADHD in the UK (approximately 2.6 million people) and approximatly 700,000 people in the UK are autistic (around 1%), research has shown that between 50% to 70% of autistic people may have ADHD.

It’s hard to know exact figures, as both autism and ADHD are both widely believed to be underdiagnosed, particularly amongst women and girls, adults, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour. Girls are often diagnosed later than boys or are misdiagnosed. One study suggested that Black students, despite being more likely to show symptoms of ADHD, are less likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD.

What are common characteristics shared between autism and ADHD?

Autism and ADHD share a number of common characteristics. Someone might experience any combination of these to identify as autistic, ADHD, or AuADHD. These can include:

  • Fidgeting or stimming.
  • Sensory sensitivities, such as being overwhelmed by sound, light, or touch.
  • Executive dysfunction, for example, trouble starting or finishing tasks, forgetfulness, impulsiveness, and trouble focusing.
  • Hyperfocus and/or intense interests.
  • Rejection sensitivity.
  • Social challenges such as interpreting social cues, initiating or maintaining conversations, and navigating social interactions.
  • Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, and waking up early.
  • Differences with eye contact.
  • Difficulty understanding interception (when you are hungry, thirsty, or in pain).

Getting an ADHD or autism diagnosis

If you think that you might be autistic or may have ADHD, seeking a diagnosis can be helpful. Receiving an official diagnosis can help some people to feel like they better understand themselves, may help them feel validated or relieved, now that they have a label to help them better understand why and how they may see the world differently.

A diagnosis can lead to greater self-acceptance and even better understanding from those around you of things you may find more challenging. It can also be the first step towards accessing help and support that may be needed. However, diagnosis can also come with concerns around stigma and discrimination; it can be expensive to access privately if waiting times in your area are extensive, and many worry that there may not be a real benefit if there are few or no support services available in their area. Only you can know if seeking a diagnosis is right for you. 

Speaking with your GP can be the first step towards being referred to a specialist for assessment. For adults seeking a diagnosis, your GP may ask more about your symptoms, when they started and if they have ever gone away, if they affect your everyday life, and if they can be explained by another mental health condition. 

What happens next? Following diagnosis for ADHD or autism

Working with a therapist can help to unpack how you are feeling following diagnosis. Many people of all ages carry trauma following years of feeling misunderstood, criticised, or pathologised, as well as after years of blaming themselves or wondering if they are just ‘lazy’ or ‘difficult’.

A therapist can help you to better understand your emotions, to unpack these experiences and how they make you feel, as well as to help work through feelings of self-doubt that may have developed over time. Offering a safe space, therapy can also help you to feel heard and able to open up in a judgment-free zone.

Connecting with other autistic, ADHD, or AuADHD people in person or offline can be helpful for many people. Online and in-person support groups can help you feel more connected with others with similar lived experiences. The National Autistic Society has an online community designed to help autistic people and their families meet other like-minded people to share their experiences.