What is AuDHD? Autism and ADHD.

Until recently, diagnosis of Autism (ASD) and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was not permitted under the accepted medical standards. When DSM-5 was released in 2013, this changed.

Last Updated: 4 July, 2023

What is AuDHD?

AuDHD stands for the co-occurrence of autism and ADHD, meaning that an individual has been diagnosed with both autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder concurrently.

For a long time, medical guidelines did not allow for a dual diagnosis of ADHD and ASD. It wasn't until the release of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013 that this changed.

The symptoms of ADHD and ASD can often overlap, which can complicate the process of identifying whether an individual has one or both disorders. Common symptoms shared between ADHD and autism include:

  • Impulsivity
  • Social difficulties
  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Learning differences
  • Executive function problems (difficulty organising, multitasking, etc)
  • Atypical movement (fidgeting, stimming, etc)

How Common Is AuDHD?

In the general community, about 10% of people have ADHD. Among people with autism, however, this percentage is significantly higher: estimates suggest between 50% to 70% of individuals with autism also have ADHD.

Looking at it from a different angle, autism affects only about 2% to 3% of people in general. Yet, among people with ADHD, the percentage that have autism or show some signs of it is between 20% and 50%.

So here's what it all boils down to: if you have ADHD, your chances of also having autism are higher than those without ADHD. On the other hand, if you have autism, you are more likely to also have ADHD than those who aren't on the autism spectrum.

Accessing AuDHD Care in Australia?

One of the harmful consequences of AuDHD stigma is that it can act as a barrier to getting the help one needs. The societal stigma can easily be internalised, making a person reluctant to seek diagnosis and treatment for fear of being labelled as 'different'.

Another challenge in managing AuDHD is that not all medical practitioners are prepared to handle this combined diagnosis. Given that it was only officially recognised in 2013, it's a relatively new concept in the medical field. Without access to a healthcare professional well-versed in both autism and ADHD, individuals may feel their care is inadequate.