What is AuDHD?
You’ve probably heard of autism.
You’ve likely heard of ADHD.
But what happens when you live with both—at the same time?
That’s AuDHD, a combination of Autism and ADHD.
It’s more common than most people realize, and it can feel like your brain is constantly flipping between two operating systems—each with its own needs, quirks, and frustrations.
➤ Maybe you love routine… but you can’t stick to one.
➤ Maybe your brain hyper-focuses for hours… but also forgets to eat lunch.
➤ Maybe one day you crave social interaction, and the next, you want to hide from the world.
If this sounds familiar, you might be AuDHD—and you’re definitely not alone.
Think you might be AuDHD?
How AuDHD Shows Up in Daily Life
Living with both ADHD and autism can feel like a push-pull between competing needs.
Here are a few ways this might look in real life:
You crave structure (autistic trait) but struggle to follow routines (ADHD trait)
You hyperfocus on creative ideas but forget deadlines or appointments
You want to socialize like an ADHD brain… but the sensory overwhelm of autism kicks in
You’re masking constantly—managing both autistic traits and ADHD impulsivity
Is AuDHD a real term?
AuDHD isn’t an official diagnosis in the DSM—but it’s a real experience for many people.
It describes someone who meets criteria for both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Both are neurodevelopmental conditions. Both can affect how you think, socialize, feel emotions, and process the world.
And when they overlap, it creates a very specific experience that deserves tailored understanding.
ADHD vs Autism: What’s the Difference?
While there’s overlap, the core traits of autism and ADHD come from different places:
Autism Traits | ADHD Traits |
Difficulty with social communication | Difficulty with attention/focus |
Repetitive behaviors & routines | Impulsivity and hyperactivity |
Deep, specific interests | Easily bored, jumps between ideas |
They can look similar on the outside—but the reason behind the behavior often differs.
Examples:
Trouble with friendships?
➤ Could be autistic social fatigue or ADHD impulsivity.
Struggling to focus?
➤ Could be autistic deep-focus on a special interest or ADHD distractibility.
Sensory issues?
➤ Both can have them—but the triggers and intensity vary.
Need a clear answer? We offer evaluations that consider both autism and ADHD.
How Common Is AuDHD?
Research shows that:
30% to 80% of autistic individuals also show signs of ADHD
20% to 50% of those with ADHD may also have autistic traits
Scientists believe both may share genetic and neurological roots—affecting brain areas tied to social connection, attention, and emotional regulation.
Translation: You're not imagining it. You're not broken. You're wired differently—and that matters.
Curious where you fall? Schedule a call with our Care Coordinator.
Whole-Person Support for AuDHD Adults and Couples
Living and loving with both autism and ADHD isn’t a “flaw” to be corrected—it’s a wiring difference that shapes everything from morning routines to midnight heart-to-hearts.
We meet you (and, if you choose, your partner) right there, offering care that’s practical, trauma-informed, and relationship-centered.
Important: We don’t believe in "fixing" you to be neurotypical. Therapy should help you function in the world—without losing who you are.
➤ Healing Old Hurts
Many AuDHD adults carry scars from being misunderstood or pressured to “act normal.” We use gentle, body-based and talk-therapy methods to calm the nervous system, release stuck memories, and rebuild self-worth—without asking you to change who you are.
➤ Strengthening Your Connection
AuDHD dynamics spark both creativity and friction. We guide couples to:
read each other’s signals (hyper-focus vs. distraction, sensory highs & lows)
blend comfort needs with closeness
turn misfires into teamwork
create rituals that protect connection—even on chaotic days
Partners can also work one-on-one to polish their side of the dance.
➤ Social Skills Support
Thriving at Work and Home
Missed emails, forgotten laundry, buzzing ideas that never land—sound familiar?
We blend practical planning, workplace advocacy, and gentle accountability so your brilliance shines without nonstop masking.
➤ Social Skills Support
New Tools That Stick
From emotion-regulation drills to values-based goal setting and mindful-movement breaks, we customize skills practice to fit your wiring—no alphabet-soup jargon required.
➤ Medication (When Appropriate)
When focus boosters or calming supports might help, we team up with your prescriber to fine-tune a plan that respects your goals and your neurology.
Note: We don’t prescribe, but we can coordinate with your provider.
Looking for a treatment plan that actually fits? Let’s build it together.
You Might Be AuDHD If…
(A mini self-checklist)
➤ You love structure, but forget what day it is
➤ You hyper-fixate and procrastinate—sometimes at the same time
➤ You bounce between social butterfly and hermit mode
➤ You’ve spent years masking—and you're exhausted
➤ You’ve been told you're “too much” and also “not enough”
Check off a few? That’s reason enough to reach out. Let’s talk.
You Deserve to Be Understood
If you’ve been misdiagnosed, misunderstood, or told to “just try harder,” you’re not alone. Living with AuDHD can feel overwhelming—but it’s also an opportunity to understand yourself in a deeper, more compassionate way.
Get matched with a therapist who gets AuDHD.
Start with a screener → Share Your Info → Free consult → Personalized support
You’re not too much.
You’re not lazy.
You’re not broken.
You’re just wired differently—and you deserve care that honors that.