AuDHD (Autistic Girls Network)

Overview

• AuDHD: Refers to the co-occurrence of Autism and ADHD in individuals.
• High co-morbidity rate: 50-70% of autistic people also have ADHD (Hours et al., 2022).
• Recognition of co-existence: Autism and ADHD have been recognized as co-existing conditions only since the DSM-5 in 2013.

Characteristics of AuDHD

• Conflicting Traits:
  • ADHD: Preference for novelty, impulsiveness.
  • Autism: Preference for sameness, planning.
• Tug of War: Individuals may feel pulled in contradictory directions.
• Compensation and Masking:
  • Autistic traits may compensate or mask ADHD traits and vice versa.
  • Example: Organizational skills of autism may counteract ADHD’s chaos.

Challenges and Behaviors

• Dopamine: ADHD individuals often have a continual search for dopamine, affecting their behavior and food cravings.
• Common Presentations:
  • Creating new routines and methods.
  • Impulsive choices leading to anxiety.
  • Seeking novelty in familiar contexts.
  • Hyper-organization to manage chaos.
  • Anxiety about punctuality and memory variations.
  • Shifting intense/special interests.

Life as an AuDHD-er

• Balancing Needs:
  • Constant effort to satisfy opposing needs, influenced by environment and life stages.
• Support and Management:
  • With appropriate support, individuals can manage the intense and chaotic aspects to find fulfillment and opportunities.

References

• Hours, C., Recasens, C. & Baleyte, J. (2022): Discusses ASD and ADHD comorbidity.
• Murphy et al. (2016): Covers diagnosis and management of Autism Spectrum Disorders in adults.

Resources

• Educational Resources: Books, video resources, podcasts.
• Support and Networking: Various support and mentoring options for individuals and families.

Additional Information

• Organization: Autistic Girls Network provides resources, training, and support.
• Get Involved: Opportunities for volunteering and fundraising.

Contact and Support

• Website: Autistic Girls Network
• Donations and Support: Just Giving for financial support.

• Images and Logos: Various images related to support and recognition badges.
• Copyright: Content © 2025 by Autistic Girls Network.