For years, most scientists and behavioral health professionals insisted that nobody could have simultaneous diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), commonly called autism, and ADHD. Some went against the grain and argued it was possible, but that the autism diagnosis was so significant that other diagnoses would be moot, essentially.
In 2013, thinking began to change dramatically. The DSM-5 acknowledged that ADHD and autism co-occur in many people, and that the varied ways each condition presents mean AuDHD can be difficult to recognize.
We’ve put together this informal guide on AuDHD to help guide you or a loved one to the right resources for a rich, fulfilling life.
What Exactly is AuDHD, and How Prevalent Is It?
AuDHD is the portmanteau of autism and ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder); it refers to individuals who have been diagnosed with both conditions. It’s not a singular diagnosis, though—just shorthand for people with this dual diagnosis.
Peer-reviewed studies on AuDHD are few and far between, but the most reliable data we have now indicates that 50 to 70 percent of people with an autism diagnosis also have ADHD. Because ADHD is much more common than autism, only about 10 percent of children with ADHD are also autistic.
Common Signs of AuDHD
Because ADHD and autism have many opposing traits, AuDHD symptoms are often multi-layered and difficult to recognize. People with AuDHD often feel as though their focus and overall cognition are caught in a constant tug-of-war between competing interests.
For example, autistic people usually crave routines and structures. Many have a low tolerance for surprises. People with ADHD often experience the opposite. While they may tend to hyperfocus in general, they frequently switch activities based on how much dopamine their current activity provides.
As a result, people with AuDHD may schedule routines but frequently bail on them, which frequently causes frustration.
Other common AuDHD symptoms include:
- Executive functioning challenges
- Unique sensory needs and preferences (needing to stim)
- Extra sensitivities to high-stimuli environments
- Needing to frequently rotate between areas of interest
- Over-socializing, which leads to early burnout
- Irritating sensations (room too loud, lights too bright) that exacerbate executive functioning challenges
- Acting impulsively without being able to read social cues
- Anxiety over changes, which were originally sought due to ADHD, winning over
Just as often, people with AuDHD experience symptoms that are clearly attributable to either ADHD or autism. The two conditions have a good deal of overlap.
How Can I Find Support for My AuDHD?
Living with a brain that seems to be constantly trying to reconcile competing interests can be downright exhausting. Help is available, though, and it can dramatically improve your quality of life. Below are some common ways people with AuDHD seek support.
Professional Intervention
Just like the dual diagnosis itself, treatment for AuDHD is often multilayered. There’s no silver bullet or universally agreed-upon intervention.
You might see success with:
- Occupational therapy (making your home environment more conducive to fulfilling daily tasks)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to adjust ways of thinking about your conditions
- Tailored AuDHD therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Medications for ADHD specifically, such as Ritalin, Adderall, or Guanfacine, sometimes make autism symptoms worse. Finding the right combination of medicine and therapy takes time.
Social and Structural Supports
Finding a supportive AuDHD community, whether online or in-person, can make a huge difference. You can discover healthy coping strategies or simply vent to people who intimately understand what you go through every day. Groups that focus on either ADHD or autism, respectively, may also prove helpful.
Publicly funded programs that provide support for many neurodivergent people include:
- SSI or SSDI (Social Security programs for people with limited assets or a limited ability to earn income)
- Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program, which may fund various medical and behavioral interventions)
- Educational supports, such as IEPs or 504 plans
- Self-Determination Program (SDP), which allows participants to receive Regional Center services in tailored and individualized ways
Find Your SDP Guide with NeuroNav
As helpful and rewarding as California’s SDP can be, the enrollment process can be overwhelming for new participants. The climb can seem even steeper while you’re finding the best combination of therapies, medications, and adjustments for your AuDHD.
Asking for help is an act of empowerment. A skilled independent facilitator will advocate for your needs and ensure that your services help you meet your long-term SDP goals.
One of the best parts is that you can pay your independent facilitator through your individual budget. Schedule a free consultation with NeuroNav and find out how our team can help you unlock your potential!
