What Is AuDHD? Signs of Autism and ADHD Together in Children
Your child can't sit still in class, yet melts down when the routine changes. They crave novelty but need everything "just so". They talk non-stop about one topic, then lose focus the moment you ask them to put their shoes on.
If that sounds familiar, you may have come across the word AuDHD while searching for answers. It's a term more and more parents are using to describe children who seem to show signs of both autism and ADHD.
In this guide, we explain what AuDHD means, the signs to look out for, why it's often missed, and, importantly, why AuDHD isn't something your child can be formally diagnosed with. We'll also explain what can be diagnosed, and how to get your child assessed for both conditions through a single referral.
What is AuDHD?
AuDHD is an informal term for someone who is both autistic and has ADHD. It blends the two words together, and it's widely used by neurodivergent communities, on social media, and increasingly by parents.
Autism and ADHD are separate conditions, but they often occur together. Research consistently shows a significant overlap between the two, which is why so many families recognise traits of both in their child.
People use the term AuDHD because having both conditions isn't simply "autism plus ADHD". The two can interact, mask each other, or pull in opposite directions, which creates a profile that looks different from either condition on its own.
Is AuDHD a diagnosis?
No. AuDHD is not a recognised condition in the DSM-5, so your child cannot be given an AuDHD diagnosis.
The DSM-5 (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is one of the main diagnostic manuals clinicians use to identify neurodevelopmental conditions. It lists autism spectrum disorder and ADHD as two separate conditions, each with its own diagnostic criteria. There is no combined "AuDHD" category.
What the DSM-5 does allow is for a child to be diagnosed with both autism and ADHD at the same time. This hasn't always been the case: older guidance didn't allow the two to be diagnosed together, which is one reason some children were only ever given one diagnosis.
So while the term AuDHD can be a helpful way for families to describe their child's experience, a formal diagnosis will always name the conditions separately. If your child meets the criteria for both, they will receive:
- a diagnosis of autism, and
- a diagnosis of ADHD.
This matters in practice. School support plans, EHCP applications and medication decisions are all built around formal diagnoses, so it's important your child is assessed properly for each condition.
Signs of AuDHD in children
Every child is different, and no single sign means your child is autistic or has ADHD. But when traits of both show up together, parents often describe a child who seems to be pulled in two directions at once.
Routine. The autistic side of your child may need predictability and feel distressed by sudden change, while the ADHD side gets bored easily and seeks out novelty and stimulation.
Focus. Your child may focus deeply and intensely on their special interests, yet struggle to concentrate on anything that doesn't grab them.
Social life. They may find social rules confusing or tiring, but also interrupt, blurt things out or struggle to wait their turn.
Sensory needs. Noise, textures, lights or smells can feel overwhelming, while at the same time they fidget, seek movement and find it hard to sit still.
Emotions. Overload can lead to meltdowns or shutdowns, alongside quick frustration and big reactions that pass as fast as they arrive.
Daily life. Your child may be rigid about how things are done, yet regularly lose things, forget steps or run late.
Common signs parents notice at home
- Craving routine but struggling to keep one. Your child may be upset when plans change, yet find it hard to follow the routine they need.
- Hyperfocus that's hard to break. They can spend hours on Lego or a favourite topic, but transitioning away from it triggers distress.
- Exhaustion after school. Holding it together all day can lead to meltdowns, withdrawal or "after-school restraint collapse" once they're home.
- Sensory contradictions. They might cover their ears at loud noises but also constantly hum, spin or seek physical input.
- Big feelings. Emotional reactions may feel bigger and harder to calm than you'd expect for their age.
Common signs teachers notice at school
- Difficulty starting or finishing work, even when they understand it
- Struggling with group work, unstructured time or busy environments
- Appearing distracted, daydreamy or "in their own world"
- Being described as "bright but not working to potential"
If you're seeing a mix of these signs, it's worth speaking to your child's school SENCO and your GP about an assessment.
Why AuDHD is often missed
Many children with traits of both autism and ADHD are assessed for one condition but not the other, or wait years for a second assessment. There are a few reasons for this.
The traits can mask each other. ADHD impulsivity can hide autistic social differences, making a child seem chatty and outgoing. Equally, the structure an autistic child relies on can help them manage ADHD traits, so attention difficulties go unnoticed.
One diagnosis can overshadow the other. Once a child is diagnosed with one condition, it's easy for every behaviour to be explained by it. A child with an ADHD diagnosis may have their sensory needs put down to restlessness, for example.
Masking at school. Some children work hard to fit in during the school day. Teachers may see a quiet, compliant pupil while parents see the exhaustion and distress at home.
Separate referrals and waiting lists. If autism and ADHD are assessed through different services, families can face two referrals, two waiting lists and two sets of appointments.
How to get your child assessed for autism and ADHD
If you think your child may be AuDHD, the right next step is an assessment that looks at both conditions. At Paloma Health, we offer joint assessments, where your child is assessed for ADHD and autism separately, under one referral.
That means:
- One referral, two assessments. You don't need to go through the referral process twice.
- Each condition assessed on its own criteria. Our clinicians assess autism and ADHD separately, so each diagnosis is made properly and independently.
- A clearer picture of your child. Looking at both together helps our team understand how the traits interact, so the outcome reflects your child as a whole.
- Separate diagnoses where criteria are met. If your child meets the criteria for both, they'll receive a diagnosis of autism and a diagnosis of ADHD, not an "AuDHD" diagnosis.
Can I get a joint assessment on the NHS?
Yes. Paloma Health is an NHS Right to Choose provider for children and young people across England. If your child is registered with a GP in England, you can ask your GP to refer them to us for a joint assessment on the NHS, at no cost to you.
You can check current waiting times in your area using our postcode lookup.
Frequently asked questions
What does AuDHD stand for?
AuDHD combines "autism" and "ADHD". It's an informal term for someone who is both autistic and has ADHD.
Can my child be diagnosed with AuDHD?
No. AuDHD is not a recognised condition in the DSM-5, so it can't be given as a diagnosis. If your child meets the criteria for both conditions, they will be diagnosed with autism and ADHD separately.
Can a child be diagnosed with both autism and ADHD?
Yes. The DSM-5 allows clinicians to diagnose autism and ADHD together when a child meets the criteria for both.
What is a joint autism and ADHD assessment?
A joint assessment looks at both conditions through a single referral. At Paloma Health, ADHD and autism are assessed separately, so each condition is considered on its own criteria.
How do I get a joint assessment for my child?
Ask your GP to refer your child to Paloma Health under NHS Right to Choose. If your child lives in England and is registered with a GP, the assessment is free on the NHS.
Getting the right support for your child
AuDHD is a useful word for describing what many families experience every day, but it isn't a diagnosis. What your child needs is a proper assessment of both autism and ADHD, so any diagnosis reflects who they are and unlocks the right support at home and at school.
If you recognise signs of both conditions in your child, a joint assessment means one referral, two separate assessments, and a clearer picture at the end of it.
Ready to take the next step? Ask your GP to refer your child to Paloma Health for a joint assessment under NHS Right to Choose.
