Am I Autistic and ADHD? Understanding the Signs of AuDHD in Women and Girls
Many people wonder: Am I autistic and ADHD? It’s actually very common to experience both. Autism and ADHD often overlap, and this unique combination is sometimes referred to as AuDHD. Research suggests there may be shared genetic and neurobiological mechanisms, but a lot more study is needed to fully understand the connection. Find out about our combined autism and ADHD assessment.
Many people are only referred for an autism or ADHD assessment, and the overlap between the two can be missed. Being assessed for one neurotype alone can even prevent an accurate diagnosis, since autism and ADHD can mask each other.
If you’ve ever felt confused about what’s autism, what’s ADHD, and what might be both, this article is here to help. We’ll cover:
- Key differences between autism and ADHD
- Similarities in autism and ADHD
- Common AuDHD experiences
- What’s unique to women with autism and ADHD
(Nb. this blog won’t cover everything but some of the main themes that I have noticed from my professional and personal experience)
Autism vs ADHD: Key Differences
Social and Non-Verbal Communication (Autism)
Social communication differences are specific to autism. Autistic women often prefer deep, one-to-one conversations about meaningful topics, rather than casual small talk or group chatter. Group conversations with multiple threads can feel overwhelming.
Non-verbal cues also differ: many autistic people avoid giving eye contact while speaking, yet rely heavily on observing facial expressions while listening. Whilst possibly experienced by an AuDHDer, these traits are not understood to be fundamental to ADHD.
Predictability vs. Boredom
Autistic women often thrive on routine and predictability. Surprises can feel overwhelming, and knowing what’s coming next offers a sense of safety. ADHD, on the other hand, craves novelty. Predictability can feel excruciatingly boring, and ADHDers may seek out new and stimulating experiences to stay engaged.
Stimulation and Attention Regulation (ADHD)
ADHD brains constantly seek stimulation to keep dopamine levels balanced. This often shows up as restlessness, fidgeting, or impulsive talking. ADHDers may enjoy both deep interest-driven 1:1 conversations and the energetic “bounce” of group discussions.
Attention regulation is also a key challenge in ADHD. Distractibility can come from external environments or from an endless stream of internal thoughts. Autism, by contrast, is often associated with steadier, more focused attention, somtimes referred to as monotropism.
Autism and ADHD Similarities
Sensory Sensitivities
While sensory differences are part of the autism criteria, many people with ADHD also experience them. Lights, sounds, smells, or textures can feel overwhelming. Austic and ADHD bodies are hypersensitive.
Sleep Difficulties
Insomnia and delayed sleep are common in both autism and ADHD.
Executive Functioning Challenges
Both autism and ADHD impact executive functioning—the brain’s ability to plan, organise, manage impulses, and transition between tasks. The challenges can look different, but they’re present across both neurotypes.
Social Exhaustion
Autistic women often describe socialising as exhausting because neurotypical cues don’t come naturally, and they feel like they’re constantly decoding “hidden rules.” ADHDers may not struggle in the same way, but conversations can still be tiring because of impulsivity, distractibility, or the effort of holding multiple threads in mind.
Addiction Vulnerability
Both autism and ADHD increase vulnerability to substance use, though for different reasons. Autistic women may use substances to mask or numb themselves, while ADHDers may use them to self-regulate or boost dopamine levels.
Routines and Rituals
Autistic routines soothe the nervous system and bring comfort. ADHD routines are usually compensatory strategies to avoid losing items or forgetting important steps.
What Is AuDHD? Common Overlapping Experiences
Someone who is both autistic and ADHD is sometimes described as AuDHD. Living with both can create unique, sometimes contradictory experiences. Common AuDHD traits include:
- Enjoying the buzz of social events but quickly becoming overwhelmed and exhausted
- Masking social differences so well that burnout follows afterward
- Loving predictability and routines, but also craving spontaneity and novelty
- Needing both quiet time for focus and stimulating time with others
- Enjoying being in groups but preferring to observe rather than actively participate
Autism and ADHD in Women: What’s Different?
Hormones and Neurodivergence
Hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can impact how autism and ADHD traits show up. Women often report their neurodivergent needs shift alongside hormonal changes.
Social Conditioning and Masking
Girls are often conditioned to people-please, stay quiet, and not be “too much.” This social pressure leads many autistic and ADHD women to mask their true needs, often at great personal cost.
Outdated Research and Misdiagnosis
Historically, most autism and ADHD research was conducted on boys and men, creating a narrow, male-centered understanding of these neurotypes. Women often have more internalised traits and may be missed by outdated diagnostic approaches. Safe, collaborative assessments are essential to help women accurately describe their experiences.
Final Thoughts: Am I Autistic and ADHD?
If you’ve been wondering “Am I autistic and ADHD?” you are not alone. Many women and girls live at the intersection of autism and ADHD. Understanding this overlap—sometimes called AuDHD—can be life-changing.
If you’re seeking an autism and ADHD assessment tailored to women, visit:
And if you’d like to understand more about AuDHD, we recommend Leanne Maskell’s book ‘AuDHD: Blooming Differently’. It is excellent.
You deserve an assessment and support that reflects your full reality, not outdated stereotypes
If you'd like to explore an autism or AuDHD (autism and ADHD assessment) with us, book a screening call here.