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April is Autism Awareness Month — a time to learn, reflect, and raise awareness about the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum. This year, I want to shine a light on a lesser-known but important intersection: AuDHD — the co-occurrence of Autism and ADHD in the same person.
What Is AuDHD?
You might be familiar with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) individually. When traits from both conditions are present in the same person, it’s referred to as AuDHD. This term is embraced by the neurodivergent community but is not an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 (DSM-5). An AuDHDer will have a formal diagnosis listing both ASD and ADHD separately.
Autism and ADHD each involve a spectrum of traits that vary widely from person to person. When combined, they can create a complex and sometimes contradictory mix of strengths and challenges. For example, an AuDHDer might crave structure but quickly become bored with routine or be highly sensitive to sensory input while also appearing hyperactive or impulsive.
A Dual Diagnosis—Once Not Even Recognized
Here’s something surprising: Until 2013, it wasn’t possible to receive an official diagnosis for both autism and ADHD. They were considered mutually exclusive. That changed with the release of the DSM-5, which acknowledged the reality that many individuals experience both.
Now, research is catching up. A 2022 study found that between 50% and 70% of people diagnosed with autism also meet the criteria for ADHD (Hours et al., 2022). There’s even emerging speculation that AuDHD may represent a distinct neurodevelopmental profile separate from ASD and ADHD.
Despite this progress, many AuDHDers struggle to find accurate diagnoses and effective support. Most clinical models are built around ADHD or autism—not both. As a result, interventions designed for one condition do not work well for those experiencing both.
Why Understanding AuDHD Matters
Every person with AuDHD has a unique blend of traits and needs. Learning directly from AuDHDers helps us understand that they are navigating life in a unique way. Each condition includes a wide spectrum of traits that vary in intensity and presentation from person to person. For an AuDHDer, these traits form a profile that doesn’t fit neatly into existing categories.
By acknowledging this dual experience, we move beyond labels and toward a more personalized, compassionate support that not only addresses challenges but also values the strengths and contributions of AuDHDers.
Supporting People with AuDHD
Supporting someone with AuDHD starts with understanding, not assumptions. It’s about meeting people where they are, appreciating the unique way their brain works, and being open to the ways ADHD and autism can interact. Many AuDHDers experience a push and pull between their needs. Respecting those differences — and listening deeply — makes a real difference. It is also important to recognize and affirm AuDHDers’ strengths (just to name a few): intense creativity, deep focus, pattern recognition, and out-of-the-box thinking. When we focus on building environments that are flexible, empathetic, and responsive, we move from simply “accommodating” to truly empowering. At the heart of it all, support means treating each person as an individual with dignity, voice, and value.
How We Can Help the AuDHD Community
Raising awareness is just the first step. Here are practical ways we can create a more inclusive and affirming world for people with AuDHD:
- Listen and validate: Believe people when they share their experiences, even if those experiences don’t fit neatly into one diagnostic box.
- Build flexible systems: Schools, workplaces, and homes can all become more supportive with options for how tasks are completed. Two good options that work towards this goal are built-in breaks and sensory-friendly spaces.
- Support early intervention: Catching both conditions early opens the door for meaningful, tailored support that can change lives.
This Autism Awareness Month let’s make space for the experiences of AuDHD individuals. Recognizing AuDHD helps us move beyond stereotypes and invites us to appreciate the complexity of the human brain — and to build a world where every neurotype is not only accepted, but understood and supported.
Let’s go beyond awareness. Let’s practice acceptance, advocacy, and action.
With gratitude,
Ana Isabel Sánchez
   
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