AuDHD

This is a spoken guide to the AuDHD page at APIS Clinic. AuDHD is a term used by many people to describe the combined experience of ADHD and autism. For some people, the two conditions are already diagnosed.

For others, one diagnosis has been made but something still does not fully fit. At APIS Clinic, we assess ADHD and autism together where appropriate, looking at attention, sensory processing, social communication, routines, masking, emotional regulation, executive functioning and day-to-day life. What does AuDHD mean? NICE guidance also recognises the importance of looking for coexisting conditions in ADHD and autism assessments, including other neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

What is AuDHD? AuDHD is a commonly used term for people who meet criteria for both ADHD and autism, or who strongly recognise traits of both. It is not a separate diagnostic label in itself, but it is a useful way of describing the lived experience of both neurodevelopmental profiles together. Two profiles, one person.

ADHD and autism can overlap, mask each other, or pull in opposite directions. A person may appear organised because they have built rigid systems to manage ADHD-related disorganisation. Another person may seem sociable and spontaneous, but feel exhausted afterwards because of sensory load, masking or uncertainty.

Why AuDHD is often missed. AuDHD can be missed because one profile may cover or compensate for the other. Someone with ADHD may appear socially confident, but still have autistic sensory sensitivities, social fatigue or a strong need for predictability.

Someone with autism may appear structured and controlled, but only because they are working very hard to contain ADHD-related impulsivity, distractibility or internal restlessness. This is why APIS does not look only at checklists. We look at the whole pattern: childhood history, current functioning, masking, coping strategies, relationships, work, education, sensory processing, emotional regulation, sleep, physical health and coexisting mental health.

Signs you may recognise. Common AuDHD experiences. You may recognise some of the following:.

Struggling with attention, time, organisation or task initiation. Needing routine but finding routines difficult to maintain. Becoming bored quickly, but also overwhelmed by too much change.

Sensory sensitivity to noise, light, texture, smell or busy environments. Social masking, people-pleasing or rehearsing conversations. Emotional intensity, shutdowns, meltdowns or burnout.

Difficulty switching between tasks or recovering after demands. Feeling “too autistic for ADHD spaces” and “too ADHD for autistic spaces”. Years of anxiety, low mood, perfectionism or exhaustion without a clear explanation.

NHS guidance notes that signs of autism in adults can be harder to recognise when other conditions such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders or ADHD are also present. Recognising yourself here means it may be worth exploring, and we can help. How we assess AuDHD.

Our AuDHD pathway is designed for people who may need both ADHD and autism considered together. The assessment may include:. Step 1.

Pre-assessment questionnaires. You complete structured forms before the appointment so the clinician can understand your current concerns, developmental history and day-to-day functioning. Step 2.

Clinical assessment. A detailed consultation explores ADHD traits, autistic traits, masking, sensory processing, emotional regulation, executive functioning, relationships, education, employment and mental health. Step 3.

Developmental history. Where possible, we consider childhood history and collateral information. This may include school reports, family information or other relevant records.

Step 4. Diagnostic formulation. We consider whether the presentation is best explained by ADHD, autism, AuDHD, another condition, or a combination of factors.

Step 5. Feedback and report. You receive clear feedback and a written report with diagnosis, formulation, recommendations and next steps.

Step 6. Treatment and support planning. Where relevant, we discuss medication, psychoeducation, reasonable adjustments, psychological strategies, cognitive training, ILF neurofeedback and onward referrals.

Support beyond diagnosis. Some people want more than a label. They want practical help with attention, emotional regulation, cognitive fatigue, task switching, overwhelm or day-to-day functioning.

Cognitive training as part of a wider support pathway. ILF neurofeedback where suitable. Psychoeducation and executive-function strategies.

Sensory, sleep and routine support. These are not a replacement for diagnosis, medication or crisis care, but may be considered as part of a personalised plan for cognitive and functional support. Your care team.

You will be seen by a clinician experienced in ADHD, autism and complex neurodevelopmental presentations. Where required, assessment may involve multidisciplinary input or further specialist review. We aim to provide a thoughtful assessment that does not force people into one diagnostic box when their presentation is more nuanced.

That is the end of this guide. The full text is on this page, and you can book an appointment or send an enquiry from here whenever you are ready.