What is AuDHD? (Autism and ADHD Co-occurrence)
AuDHD (Autism + ADHD) is the simultaneous presence in the same brain of autistic traits that need routine and order, alongside ADHD traits that seek novelty and chaos.
What is AuDHD?
For many years, the psychiatric world (under DSM-4 rules) believed that a person could not simultaneously have both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD. However, with the publication of the DSM-5 in 2013, this rule was removed. We now know that a significant portion of individuals with ADHD (according to some research, between 50% and 70%) also carry autistic traits. Having both of these neurotypes simultaneously is called AuDHD (Autism + ADHD) within the community.
AuDHD is not simply two different conditions placed side by side; it is these two conditions intertwining to form an entirely new, complex, and often self-contradictory neurodevelopmental profile.
---
An Internal Tug-of-War
Having an AuDHD mind is like driving a car with two different drivers at the wheel. The needs of the autistic side and the ADHD side are diametrically opposed:
Autism loves routine, sameness, deep focus, and a life without surprises.
ADHD, on the other hand, hates routine; it seeks dopamine, novelty, risk, chaos, and speed.
Everyday AuDHD Conflicts:
Planning: Your autistic side creates a wonderful, detailed spreadsheet and weekly schedule. The next day, your ADHD side feels so suffocated by the restrictiveness of this schedule that it doesn't stick to any of it.
Social Life: Your ADHD side is dying to meet new people and socialize, wanting to go to a party. But when you get to the party, your autistic side becomes so overstimulated (sensory overload) by the loud noise, crowds, and eye contact that it immediately wants to go home.
Order: You get very irritated when your belongings are moved (autistic side), but the one who constantly loses things and leaves them in a mess (ADHD side) is you yourself.
> [!WARNING]
> The greatest risk for AuDHD individuals is the state of Autistic Burnout. A person who constantly exceeds their capacity due to ADHD impulsivity ignores their autistic side's need for rest and silence, leading to very severe crashes.