AuDHD describes the co-occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD, a combination that was only officially recognised in 2013 and is still widely misunderstood today. This guide explores what AuDHD is, how it differs from autism and ADHD individually, why it is so often missed, and how Sureway Health & Wellbeing can help through tailored…
Key Points
Summary:
AuDHD describes the co-occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD, a combination that was only officially recognised in 2013 when the DSM-5-TR first permitted both diagnoses to be given to the same person. When exploring AuDHD vs ADHD and autism individually, both conditions share overlapping traits, including social difficulties, attention challenges, stimming, and executive functioning difficulties, though they differ in key areas such as social communication, restricted interests, cognitive profiles, and treatment approaches. Sureway Health & Wellbeing provides comprehensive AuDHD assessment and AuDHD support services for children, teens, and adults, offering personalised care that extends well beyond diagnosis.
Outline:
If you've been exploring the world of neurodivergence, you may have come across the term "AuDHD." It's a relatively new concept in the clinical world, and for good reason.
Until 2013, healthcare professionals using the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) were not permitted to diagnose a person with both autism and ADHD at the same time.
The updated fifth edition of the manual, DSM-5-TR, was the first to allow for both diagnoses to be given to the same person, which was a significant turning point in how we understand and support neurodivergent individuals.
Before this change, individuals were often assigned to whichever condition appeared most prominent or had the greatest impact on their daily life. This meant that many children and adults spent years receiving support for only one condition, while the other went unrecognised and unaddressed. Much of the research from that era also reflects this limitation, which is why AuDHD is only now being widely discussed and understood.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about AuDHD and how to get the right tailored support for yourself or your child at Sureway Health & Wellbeing.
AuDHD is a term widely used within the neurodivergent community to describe someone who meets the criteria for both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Research shows there is significant overlap between the two conditions:
This overlap exists because both autism and ADHD involve differences in areas such as:
Although they are distinct diagnoses, the way they interact can create a unique experience that feels very different from having autism or ADHD on its own. This is often why discussions around AuDHD vs ADHD are becoming more common. Many people realise their experience cannot be fully explained by just one label.
Autism and ADHD can look similar on the surface, which is one reason AuDHD is frequently misunderstood. However, the underlying reasons for behaviours can be quite different. Understanding both the shared traits and key distinctions is important when considering an AuDHD assessment.
Both conditions may involve:
While there is overlap, there are also important differences:
Understanding these similarities and differences is essential when exploring AuDHD vs ADHD and autism, particularly for individuals who feel that neither diagnosis alone fully explains their experiences.
When talking about AuDHD, it's easy for the conversation to centre on challenges and difficulties. But it's equally important to recognise that AuDHD individuals often bring remarkable strengths to the table. When they are in the right environment with the right support, these strengths can truly shine.
AuDHD is frequently overlooked because it does not always match traditional stereotypes of autism or ADHD. Several factors contribute to this.
Autism and ADHD can create competing needs. For example:
This internal push and pull can make someone appear neurotypical on the surface, while they are working very hard internally.
Many individuals, especially women and adults, learn to mask their traits. They may rehearse conversations, copy social behaviours, or over-prepare to compensate for attention differences. Over time, this can lead to exhaustion and mental health challenges.
Historically, diagnostic criteria were based largely on young boys who displayed external behaviours. As a result:
This “one or the other” approach between autism and ADHD contributed to many missed diagnoses.
Children may be described as lazy, distracted, sensitive, or difficult. Adults may be labelled disorganised or socially awkward. In reality, these behaviours often reflect unmet support needs rather than intentional behaviour.
These factors reflect why a thorough AuDHD assessment is so important. It allows the full picture to be understood, and not just the surface behaviours.
At Sureway Health & Wellbeing, we understand that AuDHD is a unique and nuanced experience that deserves thorough, compassionate, and personalised care. Our experienced team provides tailored psychological assessments for autism, ADHD, and the co-occurrence of both conditions, ensuring that nothing is missed and that every individual receives the complete picture they deserve.
Our AuDHD support does not end at diagnosis. After your assessment, our team will guide you through the next steps, offering therapy, care planning, and referrals for ongoing support. We're here to help you or your child thrive beyond diagnosis with personalised care that is built around your individual strengths, challenges, and goals.
Sureway Health & Wellbeing’s services can be accessed at our Bundoora and Eltham locations, and we serve the surrounding suburbs, including Mill Park, Thomastown, Reservoir, Greensborough, Watsonia, Diamond Creek, and Northeast Melbourne. We also provide services via telehealth Australia-wide, so that wherever you are, you can access the support you need.
If you recognise yourself, your child, or someone you care about in what you've read today, we warmly encourage you to reach out. Book an appointment with Sureway Health & Wellbeing today, or refer someone who may benefit from our services. Our team is here, ready to listen and support you every step of the way.
Sureway Health and Wellbeing psychology team provide services across the following locations: Bundoora, Mill Park, Thomastown, Reservoir, Greensborough, Watsonia, Eltham, Diamond Valley, North Eastern Melbourne and via telehealth Australia wide.
