Autism and Asperger’s
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person experiences the world, processes sensory information, and communicates with others. Autistic individuals often deeply value routine, possess intense and passionate interests, and communicate more directly than neurotypical peers.
A note on Asperger’s
If you or a loved one were diagnosed years ago, you might be familiar with the term 'Asperger's Syndrome'. In 2013, the medical community updated its diagnostic manuals, and Asperger's was officially brought under the wider umbrella of autism spectrum disorder. While it is no longer given as a new clinical diagnosis, many people still proudly identify as having Asperger's. At the Matthew Lock ADHD Charity, we embrace and validate all neurodivergent identities, regardless of the terminology you choose to use.
The link to ADHD: The 'AuDHD' experience
For decades, the medical community believed a person could not have both ADHD and autism. It wasn't until 2013 that doctors were even allowed to diagnose both conditions at the same time. Today, research shows an astonishing overlap: up to 70% of autistic individuals also have ADHD. When a person has both, it is often affectionately called 'AuDHD' within the neurodivergent community. Living with AuDHD is incredibly complex because the two conditions often have entirely conflicting needs, creating a constant, exhausting internal tug-of-war.
What AuDHD looks like: The internal paradox
Having both ADHD and autism can feel like driving a car with one foot on the accelerator and the other slamming on the brakes. This paradox can look like:
Routine vs. novelty
The autistic brain craves strict routine, predictability and safety. The ADHD brain craves constant novelty, excitement and change. An AuDHD individual might desperately want to travel or start a new project but, become utterly paralysed by the disruption to their routine.​
Hyper-focus vs. distraction
A person might be able to focus for 12 hours straight on an autistic 'special interest' (like coding, history or an art project), but be completely incapable of holding their attention for five minutes to pay a bill or send an email.
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Sensory overwhelm vs. under-stimulation
The autistic nervous system is easily overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights or textures. However, the ADHD brain is constantly seeking dopamine and stimulation. This leads to scenarios where a person needs total silence to function but simultaneously needs heavy metal music playing to stay focused.
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Social masking burnout
Both ADHD and autistic individuals often 'mask' (hide their natural traits) to fit into a neurotypical world. Juggling the social rules of autism while trying to suppress the impulsivity of ADHD requires a monumental amount of daily energy, leading to severe burnout.
Coping strategies and support
01.
'Structured flexibility'
Because strict routines fail (due to ADHD) and total chaos causes meltdowns (due to autism), individuals need 'structured flexibility'. This means having a routine that is based on categories rather than strict time slots. (e.g., 'Afternoons are for creative work', rather than 'I must paint from 2PM to 3PM').
02.
Understanding the medication shift
A very common experience for AuDHD individuals is starting ADHD medication and suddenly feeling 'more autistic'. When stimulant medication quiets the chaotic, fast-paced ADHD thoughts, the underlying autistic need for order, sensory control and routine often becomes much more visible. This is normal but requires adjusting coping strategies with a doctor.
03.
Sensory diets
Instead of just avoiding bad sensory input, proactively feed the nervous system good sensory input. If the ADHD brain needs stimulation but the autistic brain hates loud noises, try quiet, heavy physical movement (like lifting weights or using a weighted vest).
Traditional therapies often fail AuDHD individuals because treating one side can accidentally trigger the other. Support must be highly customised.
Timely detection matters
When an individual only receives a diagnosis for one of their conditions, the treatment often falls short, leading to deep frustration. The exhaustion of an unsupported AuDHD brain masking to survive in a neurotypical world is a major driver of depression, severe anxiety and tragically, a heightened risk of suicide. Accurate, comprehensive screening that looks at the whole person is the only way to provide the tools needed to not just survive, but to truly thrive.
Lived experience: Autism and ADHD (AuDHD)
"Living with both is like having two different roommates in my head who hate each other. My ADHD wants to completely reorganise the kitchen at 2AM and go on a spontaneous road trip, but my autism is screaming in the corner because I didn't eat my safe food at exactly 6PM."
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"For years, my autism hid my ADHD. I was always on time, got good grades, and followed the rules because my autistic anxiety wouldn't let me do anything else. But inside, my ADHD brain was a chaotic, loud mess. It took until my late 20s for a doctor to realise my 'good behaviour' was actually just exhausting, high-level masking."
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"When I finally got medicated for my ADHD, the constant noise in my head stopped. But the silence meant I could suddenly feel every scratchy tag on my clothes, and I realised how much I actually relied on my strict routines. Figuring out I was autistic too, finally gave me the complete instruction manual to my own brain."
Source references
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) & DSM-5 History
Fact supported: In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association updated the DSM-5, subsuming the diagnosis of asperger’s syndrome into the broader category of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and allowing for the dual diagnosis of ASD and ADHD for the first time.
Reference detail:
American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder)
Statistic Supported: More than half of individuals diagnosed with ASD also have signs of ADHD. It is currently recognised as one of the most common co-occurring conditions.
Reference detail:
CHADD National Resource Centre on ADHD, "Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD."
National Library of Medicine (NCBI)
Fact supported: The coexistence of ASD and ADHD is estimated at 50% to 70%. When both are present, individuals often experience higher rates of executive dysfunction, social difficulties and generalised anxiety compared to having either condition alone.
Reference detail:
Hours, C., Recasens, C., & Baleyte, J.M. (2022). "ASD and ADHD Comorbidity: What Are We Talking About?" Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13.