About AuDHD
If you’re my target audience, you probably already know what Autism, ADHD & AuDHD are, because you’re one of us (“one of us… one of us…”).
But if you’re not, or you just need more info, that’s OK! That’s what this page is here for.
AuDHD is Autism + ADHD
Pronounced “aw-DHD”, this is simply the informal term used for when someone is both autistic and ADHD. Yes, you can be both – and it seems to be quite common! It’s a portmanteau, a French word for terms combining the start of one word and the end of another, (like ‘brunch’, ‘chillax’, ‘cosplay’ or ‘glamping’).
AuDHD is a relatively new term. It can be hard to identify, because Autism & ADHD have many overlapping traits, while being very different in their own right. Together, they show up differently to one or the other alone. AuDHD might not appear to be a simple combination of the two; they work in a symbiosis; often swinging back and forth between war and harmony. You might hear AuDHD described as a “comorbidity” or similar, which medically just refers to one condition sitting alongside another.
Both autism and ADHD are hereditary; they are genetic and are often (but not always) passed from parent to child. If someone you know is autistic, ADHD or AuDHD, there’s a reasonable chance that a parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt, cousin or sibling may be neurodivergent, too. It might be so subtle or so much a part of what you know them to be like, that nobody ever noticed – not even the person themselves.
My autism was identified when I was a kid, but I only became aware I also have ADHD in my 30’s. I had many struggles that being autistic didn’t explain, and it’s thanks to awareness-raising on social media that I came forward for a formal assessment. Many are the other way around, who were diagnosed with ADHD early, but might now think they’re also autistic. There’s also lots of completely undiagnosed people struggling out there, too.
Some things experienced by both autistic people and ADHDers include:
• Executive Dysfunction – Difficulty with planning, prioritising, problem solving, multi-tasking, and staying focused and motivated.
• Finding it hard to control our emotions at times, and using coping mechanisms to help steady our nervous systems.
• Struggling in school, adult education and at work.
• Difficulty finding and keeping friends and relationships.
• and more!
AuDHD awareness is increasing. Unfortunately, this has led to years-long waiting lists for assessment and shortages of ADHD medication. Researchers are racing to catch up, and as our understanding of the condition improves, its name may change in the future, too.
What actually is Autism?
To put it as simply as possible, autism is a neuro-type; a type of brain. It’s just one of many fundamental ways a brain works. While autistic brains share many common traits, which I’ll get onto next, that doesn’t mean all autistic brains are the same.
A funny way to think about is… if brains were dairy products, and autism was cheese, you then have different cheeses. Cheddar, mozzarella, blue, etc.
Which cheese is your autistic brain most like? 😂
Autism is also often referred to as a neuro-developmental condition, meaning it’s to do with the way someone’s brain develops over time.
Autism is a spectrum condition. It was once thought of as people being ‘more’ or ‘less’ autistic than others. Nowadays, people use something similar to a colour wheel to illustrate that autism presents in loads of different ways.
For example, one autistic person may be more sensitive to lights and noise, but is relatively comfortable socialising. Another autistic person may prefer to keep to themselves, while focusing intensely on DJing with loud music and flashing lights as their hobby! This is what it means to be “on the spectrum”.
So, when you hear “neurodiversity”, now you know; it just means diversity in neuro-types. But first, we have to recognise that just because someone’s brain works in a fundamentally different way to a typical person (a neuro-typical), doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with them.
Autistic traits
Here are just a few of the common traits of autism, as described by an autistic person, in my own way:
• Communication difficulties: We often have brilliant minds that feel like they’re trapped in a cage, and we struggle to put thoughts into words or actions. This can show up as eccentric behaviour, speaking formally, flatly, or slower and pensively, and not making much eye contact. Some autistic people can’t speak much at times, or might start speaking later than other kids. Some autistic people can’t speak at all and might rely on text-to-speech technology or flash cards.
• A strong interest in ourselves: We focus a lot on our own interests, thoughts, feelings and identities, and we rely on them as talking points or ways to relate to people in social situations. This might mean we don’t always consider those of other people, which can unintentionally seem selfish or rude. With compassion and support, we can build that awareness and skill. Don’t use discipline and negativity, though. This leads to low self-esteem and pretending to be someone we’re not, also known as ‘masking’.
• Clarity, structure and predictability: Categorising, systemising, scheduling, clear step-by-step instructions, we love that stuff! Nothing makes an autistic person feel more satisfied than everything being crystal clear, neatly in line, running like clockwork, and doing exactly what it says on the tin! When talking to us, don’t assume we should “just know” what you mean. We may ask lots of questions and need guidance, so don’t take it as disrespect, lack of initiative or stupidity. Take us at face value, be patient and help us understand. If something doesn’t make perfect sense, but it somehow just works, say that! We may even find another solution that you never would have!
• Literal, rigid thinking and honesty: It can be hard for us to recognise or take part in banter, teasing, sarcasm, or pick up on hints and unwritten rules. I remember reading a poor example of this, which said the phrase “it’s raining cats and dogs” might be taken to mean pets are literally falling from the sky. Uh, no – we’re not stupid, we just don’t respond well to insincerity. We cut through nuance. Something either is, or it isn’t, and you can count on us to tell you exactly what we think, whether you’re a younger sibling, or our boss at work!
• Sensory and information overload: I didn’t know this was different about me until I was in my 20’s, because let’s face it, no autistic person knows what it’s like to not be autistic. Bright lights; loud, overlapping or sudden noises; certain smells, tastes, textures and touch-based stimuli can overwhelm or repulse us. Other sensations might be comforting, or even turn us on! This is why some autistic people use various things to block their ears, wear sunglasses indoors or avoid certain situations. Processing a lot more at once takes longer and leaves us overwhelmed and distressed. So, please don’t take us to noisy, chaotic places; rush us, or expect us to adapt to sudden changes. Our boundaries can be pushed, but give us the tools and space to do things our way, in our own time.
Let’s debunk some myths
• Autism is not a flaw, a disease, or a tragedy. You can’t prevent it, you can’t catch it and you can’t cure it. Never believe anyone who tells you otherwise.
• We’re not fundamentally less or worse, we’re just different. We’re fish; great swimmers, being expected to climb trees as good as monkeys.
• Not everyone is “a little bit autistic”. Believe us, the world wouldn’t be so loud, bright, harsh, confusing and unreliable if we all were!
• Autism is not caused by vaccines. This has been proven countless times. The person who came up with that idea had their license to practice medicine revoked.
• Autism is also not caused by pregnant women or their babies taking common painkillers like paracetamol; known in the US as acetaminophen or the brand name ‘Tylenol’.
• Autism is not caused by circumcision. It is not something that can be inflicted upon a person in any way.
• Autism is not a result of bad parenting; but a lack of understanding or acceptance from parents can certainly make it a lot harder to live with.
• Autistic people are not uncaring, lacking empathy or uninterested in relationships. We feel and love deeply, but differently.
• Autistic people are not all like Rain Man or Sheldon Cooper. If you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met just one autistic person.
• Autism is natural. It is part of humanity.
Language and terminology
I used to tell people “I suffer from Asperger’s Syndrome”. See how negative that sounds compared to “I’m autistic”? That’s what I internalised because of how the world misunderstood autism and made me believe I had a mental disorder. That’s why this isn’t just me being fussy over little details, it makes a real difference.
There is a range of language and terminology used to describe autism, which may conflict with one another and lead to debate. Neurodivergent conditions are widely referred to as hidden disabilities, invisible disabilities, learning disabilities, neuro-developmental disorders…. I wouldn’t blame anyone for feeling anxious trying to pick ‘the correct term’. Yes, respectful language is important, but it’s also important to be kind and remember that not all autistic people completely agree and not everyone is fully up to speed. There will also always be some personal preference involved, too.
Personally, where possible, I try to say that autistic is something ‘I am’, something someone ‘is’ or ‘could be’ – not something I ‘have’ or someone else ‘has’. I do this because I consider it to be an inseperable part of what makes me, me. To ‘have’ autism carries that slight connotation of it being something wrong with me. I’m not super-strict about it, because grammar makes it hard to stick to this rigidly, so I may even deviate from it myself sometimes.
Other terms you might have heard include “Asperger’s Syndrome” and “high or low-functioning”. Asperger’s Syndrome is what I was diagnosed with. It was a name given to autistic people with lower support needs, (in other words, high-functioning), to separate them from those with higher support needs, (low-functioning). It was named after Hans Asperger, a researcher and pediatrician working with, *ahem*, “the German government of the late 1930s and early 1940s.” Yeah, that one. While his research and name were influential through the 1990’s and into the present, people are now more aware of some upsetting practices he was involved in.
So, we just say “autism” now, and use levels of support needs instead of functioning levels, to promote compassion and equality. It’s also so important to stress that lower support needs does not mean no support needs. People like me always fall through the cracks; we’re too normal to be disabled, and too disabled to be normal.
The funny thing is, when I heard that “Aspergers” had gotten cancelled and why, it felt like someone ripping a band-aid off! I’d identified with it for my whole life!
But I’m over it now. Plus, I’m glad I don’t have to sound like I’m saying “ass burgers” ever again! 😂
Are Autism, ADHD and AuDHD disabilities?
The fairest answer is – it depends on the context and how you look at it… which is really f***ing ironic because rigid thinking is an autistic trait! lol
From a social standpoint? No. We’re just different.
But, from a standpoint of advocating for the support and accommodations we need? Yes, absolutely.
A disability is any condition that makes a task much harder or impossible for you – sometimes requiring aids, adaptations, or assistance – compared to someone without that condition, under the same circumstances.
So, this might sound controversial, but I like the term “disabled by society”, because there’s nothing actually wrong with us. But, there are so many things in our world and society, which we all take for granted, that work against the way our brains work.
When that leads to being lonely, misunderstood, struggling to communicate, to understand the world and learn the same way as everyone else… struggling to find and keep a job, struggling to maintain a healthy diet and exercise, and being in poor physical and mental health, that’s pretty damn debilitating!
Importantly, that’s a reflection of the world as it is, rather than as we’d like it to be. So, if you need to say you have a disability to make people take your difficulties more seriously, don’t feel guilty. You’re entitled to help.
The solution isn’t for neurodivergent people to mask – to pretend to be something they’re not, so that neurotypical people benefit and feel more comfortable.
It’s also not for neurodivergent people to have to come up with all the answers; to throw ideas at the neurotypical wall and see what sticks.
Nor in my view is it for neurotypical people to bend over backwards for every conceivable neurodivergent trait at any cost. We don’t want revenge.
The solution is for everyone to find and implement ways for neurodivergent people to live healthy, happy, successful lives that work with their brains, not against them. Both neurodivergent and neurotypical people have shared responsibility to that end! Neurodiversity, working in harmony.
Easier said than done, but nothing worth doing was ever quick or easy… and I’m here to help with the travel side of things, at least!
Autistic & AuDHD celebrities
There are many successful and famous people who are autistic or AuDHD, such as UK TV personalities Chris Packham, Anne Hegerty (The Governess) from The Chase, Melanie Sykes, Christine McGuinness, England Lioness footballer Lucy Bronze and Welsh Rugby goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel, comedians Fern Brady, Joe Wells, Hannah Gadsby and Dan LaMorte, and “I’m A Celebrity…” winner Sam Thompson!
There’s also climate activist Greta Thunberg, singers Cat Burns, James Durbin, Susan Boyle and David Byrne, Hollywood actors Dan Aykroyd from The Blues Brothers and Ghostbusters, Daryl Hannah from Blade Runner and Kill Bill, and last but not least, Bella Ramsey from Game of Thrones and The Last of Us.
About ADHD
I will be keeping this much more brief. As I explain on the ‘About‘ page, this is a travel blog for autism & AuDHD. This is because I was diagnosed autistic long before I was diagnosed with ADHD, and I grew up learning what I could about autism for my own sake. Because of that, I don’t have any lived experience and personal knowledge of ADHD without autism. While I hope there will be lots here that ADHDers still find useful and relatable, I can’t credibly claim to serve or represent people whose experiences I don’t know enough about. But, I’m hoping to learn more as we continue on our journey together. Thanks for understanding.
So let’s keep this as factual as I can, to the best of my knowledge:
- ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. There are three types; mainly inattentive, (also known as ADD); mainly hyperactive, and combined.
- It’s not a good name. ADHDers don’t lack attention, they find it difficult to control where their attention goes.
- People with ADHD aren’t just naughty, distracted, hyperactive little boys throwing tantrums – this is what used to come to mind for me, too.
- Biologically, ADHD is partly linked to an imbalance in certain neurotransmitters, like dopamine, which makes it possible to get stuff done.
- ADHDers experience things like reduced working memory, low motivation, fidgets, multiple overlapping thoughts, quicker speech, and Executive Dysfunction.
- ADHDers find it difficult to be consistent in just about anything, from diet and exercise, keeping on top of bills, housework and life admin, to productivity.
- ADHDers are driven by novelty, change, interest, or urgency. Things are often left to the last minute and done in a burst of panicked energy.
(Pair that with autism and you’ve got a hell of a war going on in someone’s head!!) - It’s like erectile dysfunction of the mind. If you’re not turned on (interested), you can’t perform – nothing to do with willpower!
- ADHD can be effectively managed with life strategies, prescription medication and/or nutritional supplements, with qualified advice.
For further information, I encourage you to check out the truly inspirational Jessica McCabe’s website and YouTube channel ‘How To ADHD‘.