AuDHD symptoms can overlap with both ADHD and autism. Learn how to recognize shared traits, spot differences, and better understand this dual diagnosis.
Key Points:
Recognizing the signs of AuDHD—short for autism and ADHD co-occurring in the same person—can feel like putting together a puzzle with overlapping pieces. Parents often notice their child has trouble focusing, struggles socially, or melts down in overstimulating environments, but figuring out whether that’s autism, ADHD, or both isn’t always straightforward.
Understanding AuDHD symptoms and how they show up differently depending on age, gender, and environment can help families feel more grounded in their next steps. Let’s dive into what makes this combination unique, where it overlaps, and why a tailored approach to therapy matters.
AuDHD is when someone is both autistic and has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While both are neurodevelopmental conditions, they affect behavior, cognition, and social interactions differently—and often in conflicting ways.
For example, a child with ADHD might act impulsively due to a desire for stimulation, while an autistic child might resist change and new environments. Someone with AuDHD can experience both—resulting in a constant push and pull between seeking novelty and needing routine.
The overlap often includes:
These aren’t simply additive. In many cases, the combination of autism and ADHD leads to a set of experiences that’s different from either diagnosis alone.
The coexistence of ADHD and autism isn’t rare. In fact, studies suggest that between 30% to 50% of individuals with autism also meet the criteria for ADHD. The reverse is also true—many children diagnosed with ADHD may show signs of autism, particularly in social settings.
Understanding how autism and ADHD present is crucial—symptoms of one can easily complicate or delay recognition of the other. For instance:
When the two conditions occur together, the following symptoms may appear:
These conditions can overlap in ways that confuse even seasoned professionals. But with the right insight, we can better identify each child’s needs and support their growth with confidence. Here are the ways autism and ADHD symptoms can intersect:
Autism and ADHD in women often flies under the radar. Many women develop masking strategies early—mimicking others’ behaviors to “fit in” while struggling internally.
When autism and ADHD in women symptoms go unrecognized, it can lead to years of misunderstanding and even misdiagnosis (often with anxiety, depression, or borderline personality disorder). Some common signs include:
Many women report getting diagnosed only in adulthood—often after their child receives a diagnosis first.
Adults with AuDHD often describe living with an invisible struggle. They may appear functional on the outside but feel like they’re barely holding things together.
Common symptoms include:
Adults often develop “workarounds,” like using sticky notes everywhere, setting multiple alarms, or creating rigid routines. But without understanding the root of the issue, these strategies only go so far.
Children with AuDHD may be misunderstood at school and at home. Their behaviors are often interpreted as “defiant” or “lazy,” when in fact, their brains are simply working differently.
Here are some key signs of AuDHD in children:
Early recognition and support are crucial. Without intervention, kids with AuDHD can develop low self-esteem or anxiety from years of misunderstanding.
So how can you tell the difference between ADHD alone and AuDHD? It’s not always easy—but there are some helpful distinctions.
Here’s a comparison that breaks it down:
While ADHD tends to be driven by novelty-seeking and fast-paced engagement, autism often comes with a need for predictability and deep focus. AuDHD mixes these, creating a unique experience that isn’t just a sum of its parts.
Living with AuDHD means navigating a world that wasn’t designed for neurodivergent minds. Therapy and interventions should be as layered and individualized as the experience itself.
For children, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can help increase independence and improve communication, social skills, and emotional regulation. But when supporting kids with both autism and ADHD, the approach needs to adapt. That means considering:
If you suspect your child shows signs of AuDHD—or you’ve already received a diagnosis—getting the right kind of support can make all the difference. At Total Care ABA, we specialize in personalized ABA therapy designed for real life, with real families.
We serve families looking for ABA therapy in Indiana, Georgia, Tennessee, Arizona, North Carolina, and Maine. Whether your child is struggling with sensory overload, emotional regulation, or social challenges, our goal is to meet them where they are and support them step by step.
Understanding AuDHD symptoms is just the beginning. The next step is finding a team that sees the whole child—and is ready to help them thrive. Reach out today to learn how Total Care ABA can support your family.