Highlight any area of text to hear it spoken to you.
You may want to mute your speaker if you don't want to hear sound.
The Overlapping World of AuDHD: Understanding Autism and ADHD in Women
Living with AuDHD – a term used to describe coexisting autism and ADHD – can feel like navigating a world built without your needs in mind. For women with AuDHD, the experience can be particularly unique and challenging, as their symptoms are often overlooked or misunderstood. In this blog post, we’ll break down what AuDHD means, explore its key traits, and offer supportive tips tailored for neurodivergent women.
What is AuDHD?
AuDHD refers to individuals who are both autistic and have ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Though autism and ADHD are distinct neurodevelopmental conditions, they often coexist. Historically, these diagnoses were viewed as separate, but research now shows a significant overlap.
For women, the experience of AuDHD is even more nuanced. Social conditioning, masking (hiding neurodivergent traits), and late diagnoses are common challenges that make identifying and managing AuDHD harder.
Common Traits of AuDHD Women
Women with AuDHD may experience a blend of traits from both autism and ADHD, but these traits often interact in unique ways:
1. Executive Function Challenges
- What it looks like: Forgetting appointments, struggling with organization, and procrastinating on tasks.
- Why it happens: ADHD impacts planning and time management, while autism can contribute to an overwhelming need for structure.
- Support Tip: Use tools like digital planners, alarms, and habit trackers to reduce mental clutter. Simplify routines as much as possible.
2. Sensory Sensitivities
- What it looks like: Overwhelm from loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or uncomfortable fabrics.
- Why it happens: Both autism and ADHD can cause hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory input.
- Support Tip: Wear noise-canceling headphones, carry sensory-friendly items (like textured fidgets), and create a calm, predictable space.
3. Hyperfocus and Special Interests
- What it looks like: Intense concentration on a topic or activity while ignoring everything else. Women with AuDHD may hyperfocus on special interests for hours or days.
- Why it happens: ADHD contributes to hyperfocus, while autism amplifies deep, passionate interests.
- Support Tip: Embrace special interests as sources of joy but set reminders to take breaks for self-care, eating, and rest.
4. Social Struggles and Masking
- What it looks like: Difficulty interpreting social cues, maintaining friendships, or feeling “different” in groups. Many women mask their neurodivergence to fit in.
- Why it happens: Autism can affect understanding of social norms, while ADHD may lead to impulsive interruptions or inattentiveness.
- Support Tip: Seek supportive, judgment-free relationships. Join neurodivergent communities where you feel seen and understood.
Challenges Unique to AuDHD Women
1. Late Diagnoses
Women with AuDHD often receive diagnoses later in life because their symptoms are misinterpreted as anxiety, depression, or personality traits. This delay can lead to feelings of frustration and isolation.
2. Masking and Burnout
Women with AuDHD are experts at masking – camouflaging their true selves to fit social norms. Over time, this constant effort leads to autistic burnout and exhaustion.
3. Emotional Dysregulation
Both ADHD and autism affect emotional regulation. Women with AuDHD may experience intense emotions that can feel sudden and overwhelming.
Practical Tips for Thriving with AuDHD
- Prioritize Rest: Fatigue is common when managing executive dysfunction and masking. Schedule downtime and allow yourself to recharge.
- Lean on Tools: Use apps, reminders, and visual schedules to simplify daily tasks. The less energy you spend on logistics, the better.
- Honor Your Sensory Needs: Advocate for sensory accommodations in work and home spaces. Whether it’s softer lighting or quieter settings, your comfort matters.
- Find Your Community: Seek out support groups or online communities for neurodivergent women. Sharing experiences can reduce feelings of loneliness.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Remind yourself that it’s okay to work differently. Celebrate small wins and avoid comparing yourself to neurotypical expectations.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the AuDHD Experience
For women with AuDHD, life can feel like a constant balancing act between chaos and calm, focus and distraction, burnout and breakthrough. But understanding your unique neurodivergent brain can lead to a path of self-compassion, advocacy, and empowerment.
Your brain works differently – not wrongly. By embracing your strengths, seeking accommodations, and connecting with others who share your experiences, you can move toward a more fulfilling, authentic life.
Join our community of neurodivergent women and explore more resources to thrive with AuDHD.
Hours, C., Recasens, C. & Baleyte, J. (2022). ASD and ADHD comorbidity: what are we talking about? Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 837424. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.837424
Murphy et al. (2016). Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis, management, and health services development. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 7(12), 1669-1686. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S65455.
Rosqvist, H. B., Hultman, L., Wiklund, S. Ö., Nygren, A., Storm, P., & Sandberg, G. (2023). Naming ourselves, becoming neurodivergent scholars. Disability & Society. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2023.2271155
Newberry, L. (2023, April 25). Autism and ADHD often go hand-in-hand. What’s it like to have ‘AuDHD’? Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com
Resources
ADHD and AUDHD women Community
🌟 Neurodivergent-Friendly Resources
📚 Written Word Resources
📄 Articles
📚 Books
- Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn't Designed for You by Jenara Nerenberg
- Your Brain’s Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD by Tamara Rosier
🌐 Websites
🖥️ Neurodivergent Insights by Dr. Megan Neff
- A wealth of AuDHD-focused resources, visuals, and neurodivergent-affirming insights tailored by psychologist Dr. Megan Neff.
- Support tools for neurodivergent students, educators, and employers.
🎧 Audio/Visual Resources
🎙️ Podcasts
📺 YouTube
📱 Social Media
🎥 TikTok
🛠️ Tools and Apps
🛠️ Restful App
- Tools to simplify tasks and support neurodivergent well-being.
- A platform for students, job seekers, and professionals navigating neurodivergence.
🎨 Visuals and Diagrams
🖼️ Dr. Megan Neff’s Visuals on AuDHD
- Neurodivergent-affirming infographics and illustrations to help understand AuDHD and its nuances
More pages on this site
