AuDHD Counselling

What is AuDHD?

AuDHD is a term embraced within neurodivergent communities to describe autistic and ADHD individuals whose lived experiences reflect both neurotypes. An AuDHDer is both autistic and ADHD, identifying through either self-diagnosis or formal diagnosis.

Although autism and ADHD are defined separately in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, emerging clinical and neurodiversity informed perspectives view AuDHD as far more than a residual category. Many autistic and ADHD individuals share overlapping traits, including sensory sensitivities, executive functioning differences, and emotional intensity. These characteristics interact dynamically in daily life rather than existing as isolated or distinct conditions. Research shows that approximately 50% to 70% of autistic individuals also meet criteria for ADHD, and 30% to 50% of ADHDers have Autism. This significant rate of co-occurrence demonstrates that AuDHD is not a rare overlap, but a common neurotype that warrants recognition, validation, and deeper understanding.

Hourglass and books symbolizing the neurodivergent-affirming therapy provided for AuDHD adults at the Neurodiversity Wellness Collective.

AuDHD Traits

Cognitive and Executive Functioning

Executive functions are the mental skills that help us plan, organize, start tasks, shift between tasks, and hold information in mind. Large reviews and recent studies show that both ADHD and autism are associated with significant executive functioning differences, and that these are especially pronounced when both neurotypes are present together. For many AuDHD adults, this can look like:

  • Difficulties starting tasks even when they care deeply about them

  • Losing track of time or appointments

  • Forgetting steps in multi stage tasks

  • Struggling to switch attention once they are deeply focused

  • Feeling mentally exhausted after everyday demands

These challenges are not laziness or lack of willpower. They reflect genuine differences in how the brain manages information, energy, and attention.

Communication and Social Interactions

  • Masking or camouflaging to meet neurotypical expectations

  • Difficulty interpreting tone, indirect language, or subtle social cues

  • Feeling socially drained or overstimulated, even with people they care about

  • Overexplaining or undersharing when unsure of social expectations

  • Strong preference for direct, clear, consistent communication

Sensory Processing

  • Heightened or reduced sensitivity to sound, light, textures, or temperature

  • Sensory overwhelm, overstimulation, or shutdown in busy or unpredictable spaces

  • Strong need for predictability or sensory regulation tools

  • Stimming or repetitive movements used for comfort, focus, or self-regulation

  • Difficulty filtering sensory input, leading to fatigue or rapid overload

Emotional and Nervous System Regulation

  • Intense emotional responses and difficulty returning to baseline

  • Overwhelm, shutdowns, or meltdowns during high sensory or social demand

  • Rejection sensitivity and fear of disappointing others

  • Emotional exhaustion from chronic masking or compensating

How AuDHD Counselling Can Help

  • Supporting Identity, Self-Understanding, and Acceptance

  • Support with Emotional Regulation and Burnout

  • Strengthening Executive Functioning

  • Navigating Sensory Needs and Overwhelm

  • Building Healthy Relationships and Communication

  • Reducing Anxiety, Stress, and Overstimulation

  • Enhancing Strengths and Confidence

Soft neutral-toned flowers in a glass vase representing grounding and neurodivergent-affirming counselling for AuDHD adults at Neurodiversity Wellness Collective.

To explore in-depth articles on AuDHD, visit Neurodiversity Unmasked.

Neurodiversity Unmasked