AuDHD is an informal term that is often used today to describe the experience of having both autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). If neither diagnosis seems to tell your whole whole story, it may be worth learning about this unique intersection of conditions. Because some traits can overlap and others can seem to pull you in opposite directions, recognizing AuDHD isn't always straightforward. Luckily, the right mental health professional can provide valuable insight. At my practice in St. Petersburg, Florida, I specialize in treating neurodivergent individuals who are still working out their identity. It would be my honor to help you make sense of the myriad experiences that have been your confusing truth thanks to an incomplete diagnosis!
What It Means to Be Neurodivergent
“Neurodivergent” is an umbrella term describing people whose brains process, learn, communicate, or experience the world differently from what is considered neurotypical. Autism and ADHD are two commonly recognized forms of neurodivergence, but the term may also encompass differences associated with dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette syndrome, and other neurological or developmental variations.
Neurodivergent traits can show up in many ways, including differences in:
- Attention
- Executive functioning
- Sensory processing
- Communication
- Emotional regulation
- Learning
- Social interaction
Because these traits can overlap, figuring out exactly what's happening isn't always simple.
What Does AuDHD Look Like?
There is no single AuDHD experience. Someone with AuDHD may experience characteristics of both conditions—sometimes in ways that complement each other and sometimes in ways that seem contradictory. Understanding that overlap can help make sense of experiences that neither autism nor ADHD seems to fully explain on its own. Common experiences among people with AuDHD can include:
Craving routine and predictability while struggling to maintain routines
Wanting novelty and stimulation but becoming overwhelmed by unexpected change
Difficulty starting, organizing, prioritizing, or completing everyday tasks
Becoming deeply absorbed or hyperfocused on specific interests
Sensory sensitivities involving sounds, lights, textures, smells, or crowded environments
Feeling socially interested but exhausted or overwhelmed by social interaction
Masking or consciously adapting behaviors to meet social expectations
Difficulty switching between tasks, activities, or ways of thinking
Experiencing time blindness or frequently underestimating how long tasks will take
Needing significant recovery time after work, socializing, or overstimulating experiences
Feeling torn between impulsivity and a strong preference for rules, structure, or control
Experiencing emotional overwhelm or difficulty regulating strong emotions
Struggling with working memory, forgetfulness, or keeping track of multiple responsibilities
Experiencing perfectionism or developing rigid systems to compensate for executive functioning difficulties
Frequently feeling misunderstood or like neither an ADHD nor autism framework fully describes their experience
On top of these, there are comorbid conditions—like anxiety—that are commonly found in individuals with ADHD and/or autism, making it even harder to figure out what's contributing to your particular struggle. But we’ll do our best to get to the root of it.
Therapy for AuDHD and Overlapping Symptoms With Dr. Beatriz Mann
When I work with clients who have ADHD, autism, or both, I'm not interested in forcing every experience into the "correct" box. Rather, I want to understand how everything works together. I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients with practical strategies tailored to their needs. If perfectionism or excessive self-control is present, we can explore those patterns as well. My goal is to help you understand your brain, recognize what supports you, and find approaches that make daily life more manageable.
AuDHD Therapy With a Specialist in St. Petersburg, FL
If you're exploring AuDHD or struggling with overlapping symptoms, I offer online therapy for AuDHD individuals in St. Petersburg, throughout Florida, and across all participating PSYPACT states. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and see whether working together feels like the right next step!