AuDHD Explained by Ducks: When ADHD and Autism Share One Brain

One part of Duck's brain wants a brand new hobby, today, with all the equipment. The other part wants the exact same dinner, at the exact same time, forever. Both parts live in the same duck. That is AuDHD.

What does AuDHD mean?

AuDHD is a community term for being both autistic and ADHD. It isn't a separate diagnosis. It describes the two existing together, which is far more common than people once thought. Clinicians used to be told not to diagnose both at once; that changed in 2013, and since then many more people have been recognised as having both.

October is ADHD Awareness Month, and a big theme in recent years has been that ADHD rarely travels alone. Anxiety, dyslexia and autism often come along for the ride.

What AuDHD can feel like

  • Craving routine and novelty at the same time. Needing structure, then getting bored of the structure, then being distressed when the structure changes.
  • Hyperfocus that doesn't switch off. Six hours on one thing. No food. No water. Very happy duck. Then very tired duck.
  • Sensory overwhelm mixed with sensory seeking. The sock feels wrong, but loud music helps you think.
  • Masking both at once. Trying to look calm and focused and socially "normal" all day, then crashing at home.
  • Big feelings about small things. Rejection that lands like a brick. A change of plan that ruins the whole day.
  • Being told you can't be both. "But you're so organised." "But you're so chatty."

Duck makes plan.
Colour codes plan.
Loses plan.
Makes new plan.
Brain just dramatic.

Your brain is not broken

A lot of AuDHD adults spend years thinking they are just bad at being a person. Getting a name for it often brings relief, and a lot of grief too, for the younger you who didn't know.

Duck's line on this one is simple: not broken, just wired different.

Small things that help AuDHD brains

  1. Build routines with room for novelty. Same breakfast, rotating podcast.
  2. Plan for the crash. If Tuesday is peopley, Wednesday evening is empty.
  3. Keep something in your hands. Fidgets, textures, a warm mug.
  4. Reduce the number of decisions. Uniform wardrobes are not boring. They are efficient.
  5. Talk back to the dramatic brain. That is exactly what our Brain Just Dramatic affirmation cards are for: 52 cards for ADHD, AuDHD and otherwise busy minds, each with a Wise Frog reflection on the back.

AuDHD FAQ

Is AuDHD an official diagnosis?

No. It is a community word. Officially, a person would be diagnosed with both autism and ADHD.

How common is it to be autistic and ADHD?

Studies vary a lot, but a large share of autistic people also meet the criteria for ADHD, and the overlap runs both ways.

How do I get assessed?

In the UK, start with your GP. Waiting lists can be long, so it can help to write down examples of how things affect your daily life before your appointment.

Brain just dramatic. Still a good duck.

Shop the Brain Just Dramatic tees or pre-order the deck.

DiplomaDuck is not medical advice. If things feel heavier than tired, or you are worried about yourself or someone else, speak to your GP or doctor. In the UK you can call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time. In the US, call or text 988.

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