Autism Wants the Structure, ADHD is Chaos: Understanding AuDHD
Posted on 24th March 2025 at 07:27
You’ve probably heard the term AuDHD floating around more recently, and yes, it might sound like just another trendy label. But for many of us living with the traits of both autism and ADHD, it’s more than a buzzword , it’s a lifeline of understanding.
Although AuDHD isn’t a formal medical diagnosis, it’s a term that’s becoming more widely used to describe the very real experience of having both autism and ADHD. And as someone who supports neurodivergent families daily, I’ve seen just how common, and misunderstood , this combination is.
What is AuDHD?
AuDHD is a shortcut way of saying that someone has both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Individually, they’re both neurodevelopmental conditions. But together? That’s when things get really interesting, and sometimes confusing.
Autism wants the structure. ADHD is chaos.
Living with both is like being pulled in two directions at once, a tug of war between stillness and motion, order and spontaneity, repetition and novelty.
How Do Autism and ADHD Interact?
Autism often brings a love for structure, rules, focus, and routine. ADHD is the exact opposite, it brings impulsivity, distraction, restlessness, and the need for stimulation.
Put them together and life can feel like:
Wanting everything to be just right… but forgetting where you put it
Craving quiet and order… but also feeling bored and needing novelty
Feeling overwhelmed socially… but also wanting to be around people
It’s not just a mix of traits, it’s its own unique experience.
Common Traits of AuDHD
Everyone experiences AuDHD differently, but here are some patterns that tend to show up:
Social struggles – You want connection but find it exhausting or confusing.
Inattention & hyperfocus – You drift off during dull tasks but can hyperfocus on things you love.
Sensory sensitivities – Sounds, textures, lights, and smells might feel too much or not enough.
Impulsivity – Blurting things out, overspending, or being quick to react.
Stimming and fidgeting – Movement helps regulate emotions and focus.
Emotional overwhelm – Big feelings, sometimes with little warning.
Masking – Hiding parts of yourself to fit in, often leading to burnout.
The Daily Impact of AuDHD
Without recognition and support, many people with AuDHD experience:
Burnout
Anxiety and depression
Low self-esteem
Overworking or people-pleasing
Misunderstood relationships
Often, people with AuDHD are highly capable and creative, but that success comes at a high emotional and physical cost.
Getting a Diagnosis
The NHS isn’t always set up to spot AuDHD. Autism and ADHD assessments are handled by different teams, with long waiting lists and little communication between services.
Many people go from pillar to post, picking up a mix of labels that don’t quite explain the full picture.
If you're going private, try to find a professional who understands both autism and ADHD. Because the truth is: we should be assessing for both, every time.
Managing AuDHD: Real-World Strategies
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but some things that really help include:
Self-understanding – Knowing your needs and your patterns helps you put the right support in place.
Healthy routines – Sleep, movement, downtime, and food all help regulate the nervous system.
Environmental adjustments – Noise-cancelling headphones, flexible seating, or sensory-friendly spaces.
Supportive people – Find those who accept you as you are.
ADHD coaching and therapy – Especially with someone who “gets” AuDHD.
Medication can help with ADHD traits (though it may be hit-or-miss with AuDHD), and therapy like CBT can support emotional regulation.
Legally, both autism and ADHD can be considered disabilities if they significantly affect daily life. But many people with AuDHD don’t see themselves as “disabled” — they just know they have a brain that works differently.
"Autism holds the reins, ADHD brings the spark – one keeps things steady, the other keeps life interesting."
That sums it up beautifully.
Final Thoughts
The world is slowly waking up to the reality of AuDHD. It’s not about slapping on another label, it’s about giving people language for what they’ve always felt.
If you recognise yourself or your child in this blog, you’re not alone, and there is support out there.
You’re not broken. You’re built differently. And that’s something to embrace.
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