AuDHD – living with both ADHD and autism

Written and professionally reviewed by Felix Enghoff Klich, authorised psychologist
Last updated: September 2026

AuDHD is an informal term for co-occurring ADHD and autism. The term describes people who have both autistic traits and symptoms of ADHD. The combination can create a complex pattern in which the need for structure and predictability exists side by side with impulsivity, restlessness and difficulty maintaining routines.

For some, the term AuDHD provides a long-awaited explanation of why they have never fully recognised themselves in descriptions of either ADHD or autism. A thorough assessment can help create clarity about symptoms, strengths and individual needs.

What is AuDHD?

AuDHD is made up of the words autism and ADHD. It is not a separate diagnosis, but a term used when a person meets the criteria for both ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.

ADHD is typically associated with difficulties with attention, activity level and impulsivity. Autism is characterised, among other things, by different social communication, a need for predictability, intense interests and different processing of sensory input.

When ADHD and autism occur together, they do not necessarily affect the person separately. The traits can interact, intensify certain difficulties or seemingly pull in opposite directions.

How does AuDHD show?

AuDHD can show in many different ways. Some experience clear difficulties already in childhood, while others only seek assessment as adolescents or adults. This applies especially to people who have for a long time compensated for their challenges or adapted to the expectations of those around them.

Typical signs of co-occurring ADHD and autism can be:

• A strong need for structure, but difficulty creating and maintaining it yourself
• A wish for fixed routines combined with impulsive actions and changing interests
• Periods of intense focus followed by exhaustion or lack of energy
• Difficulty regulating attention, activity level and emotions
• Overstimulation from sounds, light, touch, people or many simultaneous demands
• A need for time alone and recovery after social activities
• Challenges reading social cues and navigating informal social rules
• A sense of inner restlessness, even when you appear calm on the outside
• Difficulty with planning, sense of time and getting started on tasks
• Strong or persistent interests that can take up a lot of space
• Frequent shifts between seeking stimulation and being overwhelmed by it

No single sign is in itself an expression of AuDHD. What matters is the overall pattern, how long the symptoms have been present, and how they affect the person's functioning in everyday life.

When needs seem to contradict each other

A central characteristic of AuDHD can be the experience of conflicting needs.

The autistic part can create a strong wish for stability, repetition and clear frameworks. At the same time, the ADHD part can make it hard to follow routines and can lead to a need for variety, spontaneity and new impressions. The person may therefore thrive best with structure but find it hard to maintain.

Similarly, you can have a strong need for social contact and at the same time quickly become exhausted or overstimulated in social settings. You may seek out new activities impulsively, but later experience stress because the plans clash with the need for predictability.

These contradictions can feel like inconsistency or a lack of willpower. Often, however, they are about different neuropsychiatric needs being present at the same time.

AuDHD in adults

Many adults with ADHD and autism have developed strategies throughout life that make their difficulties less visible to others. They may, for example, be very well prepared, analyse social situations thoroughly or build extensive systems for remembering appointments and completing tasks.

This compensating behaviour can be effective, but also energy-consuming. When demands increase – for example during education, in working life, in relationships or after becoming a parent – the strategies can become insufficient. This can lead to prolonged strain, stress or periods of exhaustion.

Some adults only seek help after repeated episodes of anxiety, depression or stress. In others, the suspicion arises after a child or another family member has been assessed for ADHD or autism.

AuDHD in women

ADHD and autism can be less visible in girls and women. Some learn early to observe and imitate other people's social behaviour. They may appear socially capable, even though socialising requires considerable preparation and subsequent recovery.

ADHD may also mainly show as inner restlessness, racing thoughts, forgetfulness or difficulty with organisation rather than obvious physical hyperactivity. This can mean that the symptoms are overlooked or explained as, for example, perfectionism, sensitivity, anxiety or stress.

Why can AuDHD be hard to detect?

There can be considerable overlap between the symptoms of ADHD and autism. Both conditions can be associated with, among other things:

• Difficulties with executive functions such as planning and organisation
• Challenges with emotional regulation
• Social exhaustion or problems in relationships
• Sleep difficulties
• Sensory sensitivity
• Periods of very intense focus
• Stress reactions to high or unclear demands

At the same time, the symptoms can mask each other. A person with autism may, for example, develop extensive routines that partly compensate for ADHD-related forgetfulness. Conversely, spontaneity and social interest can make the autistic difficulties less apparent.

Assessment of possible AuDHD therefore requires an overall evaluation of the person's developmental history, current symptoms and level of functioning across different areas.

How does an assessment for ADHD and autism work?

An assessment is based on a thorough clinical evaluation. The aim is to examine whether the symptoms are best explained by ADHD, autism, both, or other mental or physical factors.

The assessment may include, among other things:

• Consultations about current symptoms and challenges
• A review of development, schooling, education, work and relationships
• Structured diagnostic interviews
• Relevant psychological testing and observation
• Information from parents, partner or other relatives, when possible
• Assessment of any co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD or sleep problems

It is important that the evaluation is not based solely on individual questionnaires. Diagnostic tools must always be interpreted as part of an overall professional assessment.

Treatment and support for AuDHD

There is no single treatment that suits everyone with co-occurring ADHD and autism. A relevant course is based on the person's specific difficulties, strengths, life situation and goals.

Support and treatment may include, among other things:

• Psychoeducation about ADHD, autism and how they interact
• Individual strategies for planning, time management and getting started on tasks
• Adjusting demands, routines and the sensory environment
• Help preventing overstimulation and prolonged exhaustion
• Psychological treatment of, for example, anxiety, stress or low self-esteem
• Work on social strategies and clear communication
• Medical treatment of ADHD, when considered relevant

Medication can reduce certain ADHD symptoms, but does not treat the core autistic traits. Some people with both ADHD and autism can also be sensitive to effects or side effects. A course of medical treatment should therefore always be tailored and closely monitored by a doctor.

A diagnosis can create a new understanding

People with undetected AuDHD have often found that ordinary advice about structure, motivation or social skills has not had the desired effect. Some have spent a lot of energy appearing to function well while being marked by self-criticism or a feeling of not being good enough.

A diagnostic clarification does not change who you are. It can, however, create a more precise and less self-critical perspective on the patterns you have experienced throughout life. It can also form the basis for more realistic strategies and the right treatment or support.

Assessment for AuDHD in Copenhagen

At Nordisk Psykiatri we offer thorough assessment of ADHD and autism in adults. The assessment is planned individually and is based on current symptoms, developmental history, compensating strategies and overall level of functioning.

As AuDHD is not a separate diagnosis, we systematically examine whether the criteria for ADHD and autism spectrum disorder are each met. At the same time, we assess whether the symptoms may be better explained by other psychiatric or health-related factors.

An assessment can give greater clarity about both difficulties and strengths and form the basis for relevant recommendations for everyday life, working life, education or further treatment.

Also read: signs of autism in adults, the difference between ADD and ADHD and masking in autism.

Frequently asked questions about AuDHD

Is AuDHD an official diagnosis?

No. AuDHD is not a diagnosis, but a term used for people who have both ADHD and autism. Diagnostically, ADHD and autism spectrum disorder are assessed as two separate conditions.

Can you have both ADHD and autism?

Yes. It is possible to meet the criteria for both ADHD and autism. The conditions can affect each other and create a more complex symptom picture.

How do I know if I have AuDHD?

It cannot be determined from individual symptoms or an online test. A professional assessment examines the symptoms in connection with developmental history, level of functioning and any other explanations.

Can AuDHD first be detected in adulthood?

Yes. Some are only assessed as adults, because the symptoms have previously been hidden by high intelligence, fixed routines or extensive compensating strategies.

Can AuDHD be treated?

You can get support and treatment aimed at the specific challenges. This may include psychoeducation, psychological treatment, everyday strategies, relevant adjustments and possibly medical treatment of ADHD symptoms.

Sources

• Young, S. et al. (2020). Guidance for identification and treatment of individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder based upon expert consensus. BMC Medicine, 18, 146. The article describes identification, assessment and treatment of co-occurring ADHD and autism. Read the research article
• Hours, C., Recasens, C. & Baleyte, J.-M. (2022). ASD and ADHD Comorbidity: What Are We Talking About? Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 837424. Scientific review of the overlap and co-occurrence of ADHD and autism. Read the research article
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management (NG87). Clinical guideline on the assessment and treatment of ADHD, including co-occurring autism and other neuropsychiatric conditions. Read the NICE guideline
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis and management (CG142). Clinical guideline on the assessment, support and treatment of autism in adults. Read the NICE guideline
• Hull, L. et al. (2017). “Putting on My Best Normal”: Social Camouflaging in Adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47, 2519–2534. Study of social masking and compensating strategies in adults with autism. Read the research article
• Young, S. et al. (2020). Females with ADHD: An expert consensus statement taking a lifespan approach providing guidance for the identification and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in girls and women. BMC Psychiatry, 20, 404. On how ADHD can show and be overlooked in girls and women. Read the research article