Signs You Might Have Both Autism and ADHD (AuDHD)

In recent years, we’ve learned much more about the overlap between Autism and ADHD.

For a long time, clinicians were required to diagnose one or the other. We now know that many people experience traits of both, a presentation often referred to as AuDHD.

If you’ve ever felt like you relate to both Autism and ADHD experiences, you’re certainly not alone.

Many people go through life wondering why things feel harder than they seem to for others - struggling with focus, sensory overwhelm, social exhaustion, or feeling like their brain works differently.

Understanding the signs can be the first step toward clarity.

What is AuDHD (Autism and ADHD)?

AuDHD is an informal term used to describe someone who has both Autism and ADHD.

These two neurodevelopmental conditions share some overlapping traits, but they also influence the brain in different ways.

For example:

ADHD often involves:

• difficulty sustaining attention

• impulsivity

• hyperactivity

• time management challenges

Autism often involves:

• sensory sensitivities

• social communication differences

• preference for routine or predictability

• deep focus on specific interests

When both occur together, the experience can feel complex or even contradictory.

Someone may crave routine but struggle to maintain it.

They might hyperfocus intensely but also struggle to start tasks.They may feel socially drained but also crave connection.

Common Signs of AuDHD

While everyone’s experience is different, people with both Autism and ADHD often describe experiences like:

1. Feeling constantly overwhelmed

You may struggle with sensory input, busy environments, or multiple demands at once.

At the same time, your brain may feel like it’s always moving quickly - jumping between thoughts or ideas.

2. Difficulty starting or completing tasks

Many people with ADHD struggle with task initiation and follow-through.

When Autism is also present, the pressure to do things “perfectly” can make starting tasks feel even harder.

3. Social exhaustion

You may enjoy connecting with others but feel extremely drained afterwards.

Some people describe spending a lot of energy masking or trying to navigate social situations.

4. Strong interests combined with distraction

Autistic individuals often develop deep, focused interests.

ADHD can make attention unpredictable, meaning you may switch between interests or struggle to organise your time around them.

5. Feeling misunderstood

Many adults who seek assessment later in life say they spent years feeling like they were:

“too much”

“too sensitive”

“lazy”

“disorganised”

In reality, their brain simply processes the world differently.

Why Some People Go Undiagnosed

Many people reach adulthood without a diagnosis, particularly if they:

• learned to mask their challenges

• performed well academically

• developed coping strategies

• were misunderstood as anxious or “quirky”

Women and girls in particular are often diagnosed later in life because their traits can present differently.

The Value of Assessment

An assessment isn’t about putting a label on someone.

For many people, it brings something much more meaningful:

understanding.

Understanding how your brain works can help with:

• self-acceptance

• identifying helpful strategies

• accessing appropriate supports

• improving relationships and wellbeing

Combined Assessments at Calm Minds Clinic

Because Autism and ADHD frequently occur together, our clinicians offer combined assessments when appropriate.

This approach helps ensure we gain a clear understanding of the full picture rather than looking at one condition in isolation.

Our assessments are designed to be:

• supportive

• respectful

• neuroaffirming

• focused on practical outcomes

You’re Not Broken

Many people seek an assessment because they’ve spent years feeling like something about them doesn’t quite fit.

Often, what they discover is simply that their brain works differently - and that difference has strengths as well as challenges.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Autism, ADHD, or both might explain your experiences, exploring an assessment could be a helpful step.

Call Calm Minds Clinic on 03 4233 6470 or email hello@calmmindsclinic.com.au