what is AuDHD

AUDHD is when a person has been diagnosed with both Autism and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Dosorder).

Common Characteristics & Conflicts

Novelty vs. Routine: A push-pull between ADHD's desire for new experiences and autism's need for sameness and predictability, causing internal conflict. 

Planning Paradox: Meticulous, detailed planning (autism) often clashes with ADHD's impulsivity and forgetfulness, leading to frustration and unfinished projects. 

Hyperfocus & Distraction: Intense focus (hyperfocus) on special interests (autism/ADHD) can coexist with severe distractibility, making task initiation and completion difficult. 

Sensory Overload: Heightened sensory awareness (autism) combined with ADHD's need for stimulation can lead to rapid overstimulation and meltdowns. 

Social Challenges: Difficulties with social cues (autism) and executive function (ADHD) can impact social interactions, often leading to masking behaviors. 

London Psychiatry

I was diagnosed with this in 2024 and still getting to understanding it myself.  I was 48 years old at the time and relise that all my quarks were 'just me' was a huge relief.

However, a year on, I would still like to have a conversation with my teachers and ask their feelings about this or would they just shrug and say it was the time, we weren't aware, etc.

My main symptoms are Obsessive Reassurance Syndrome and Obsessive Rejecrion Syndrome both (both ORS), which is a common, debilitating symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and other anxieties where I repeatedly seek validation or confirmation from others, to reduce intense doubt and distress, even when I logically know the answer, creating a cycle that actually reinforces the OCD rather than resolving it.

-Tanya -