Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two neurodevelopmental disorders that impact the way someone moves through the world, socializes in groups, and develops skills to manage all kinds of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Children with autism might process sensory information differently, seek stable and unchanging routines, and communicate selectively (or not at all). Children with ADHD may find it hard to sit still, easily get distracted during school or other scheduled routines, and struggle with impulsivity.
So…What is AuDHD?
While both conditions start with the letter ‘A’ (just kidding) – they are both often diagnosed in childhood; autism/ASD is typically diagnosed earlier (about 3 years and younger) with ADHD is often diagnosed around 6 years and older. They conditions both impact parts of the brain that influence thinking and learning, planning, emotions, and language. But – as you dig deeper – these conditions appear to be complete opposites. This is what psychiatrists and psychologists thought too, but as they continued to evaluate children and teens, they noticed that approximately 40% or more of their patients that were diagnosed with autism would also describe symptoms of ADHD that were hard to dismiss. If the child was diagnosed with ADHD, the same percentage of kids would describe symptoms associated with autism.
Now, the focus has been on how these distinct neurotypes interact with one another and how they influence important social, educational, and developmental outcomes for those diagnosed with both. As we continue, the term AuDHD will be used to describe the co-occurring conditions. This is not a medical term or a research term – rather it’s a shorthand term popular in online communities.
Traits of AuDHD
Every person is going to experience their AuDHD traits in their own way. These traits can feel overwhelming for many children and teens and cause an internal struggle. This feeling of internal restlessness and unease should be openly discussed, as it helps alleviate the stigma associated with both disorders.
Some examples of this push and pull for someone with AuDHD may look like:
- Developing a strong preference for routines (autism) but struggling to stick to them due to patterns of impulsivity (ADHD).
- Being able to hyperfocus on specific interests or skills (found in autism & ADHD), but being unable to pull that focus back to a task that is more important (homework, therapy, family outings). This can cause undue emotional stress and an inability to self-soothe.
- Feeling sensory overload, intensified by the combined sensory sensitivities of autism & ADHD. This can cause emotional or behavioral outbursts that feel overwhelming.
How to Help
We all have but one brain and if that one brain is experiencing autism/ASD, ADHD, or AuDHD – there are going to be challenges, surprises, and tough conversations ahead. Tackling them as a family, a community, and with your medical and mental health professionals reduce the challenges earlier and improve outcomes for everyone.
The primary way of making neurodivergent kids/teens/adults feel seen and heard is to SEE and HEAR them.
- Find cues (verbal and non-verbal) that alert you to their internal struggle or ongoing distress without having to cause more sensory overload or interrupt a social event. A code word, a wink or finger wiggle, pointing out a color, anything!
- Identifying places, people, or things that trigger feelings of balance to include certain swingsets, a favorite book nook in your home or a library, a cousin who seems to make the right joke to get a laugh. Having tricks up your sleeve is not about over-comfort – it’s about deeply understanding your child and allowing them spaces to feel even keeled.
- Medication options (primarily stimulants) have been shown to improve outcomes for children with AuDHD. This should be discussed with your prescriber or family doctor of course to ensure your child is appropriate for this treatment.
Don’t Forget…
We are all on a learning curve! In the neuropsychology, pediatric and behavioral psychology, and psychiatry world – we have only just begun collecting patient experiences and stories, clinical research, brain imaging, and provider input and data for the co-occurring diagnoses of autism and ADHD. Understanding AuDHD can unveil unique strengths, including creative ways to socialize, innovation, and it may transform your child’s ability to solve problems. Understanding this intersection can empower both caregivers and their kids and teens to embrace their neurodivergent strengths while addressing the challenges they experience in a neurotypical world.
