What is AuDHD?
AuDHD is a term used to describe individuals who are both autistic and have ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Since autism and ADHD are both neurodevelopmental conditions, they often overlap, leading to a unique combination of traits.
People with AuDHD may experience differences in social communication, sensory processing, and executive functioning, along with traits like hyperfocus, impulsivity, or difficulty with transitions. However, their experiences vary widely, and support needs can differ from person to person. AuDHD is not a formal medical diagnosis but is widely used within the neurodivergent community to describe this dual experience.
Neurodivergence refers to any cognitive functioning that diverges from what is considered typical or “neurotypical.” It includes a wide range of neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette’s, and more. Neurodivergent individuals may think, learn, or process information differently from the dominant societal norms, but these differences are not inherently negative. Instead, neurodivergence is part of natural human diversity, and recognizing it helps promote acceptance, accessibility, and inclusion.
Neurodiversity is the concept that neurological differences—such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive variations—are natural and valuable aspects of human diversity. Instead of viewing these differences as deficits or disorders to be “fixed,” the neurodiversity perspective recognizes them as part of the broad spectrum of human thinking, learning, and processing. This framework promotes inclusion, accessibility, and the idea that diverse ways of thinking contribute positively to society.
