Skip to main content
Mental health concept, world autism awareness day, Autism spectrum disorder concept, ADHD, Alzheimer, stroke, dementia prevention and world mental health day awareness

What are the symptoms of ADHD and autism (AuDHD)? Signs, differences and overlap

Peer reviewed by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGPAuthored by Dr Rachna Rajput, Psychiatry UKOriginally published 27 Mar 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions that can often coexist. When both conditions are present, this is sometimes referred to as AuDHD (ADHD and Autism). Though, not a term used by doctors when giving diagnoses, people commonly use it to signify they have both conditions.

In this feature, the symptoms of ADHD and autism will be explored separately and then what the combination presents as.

Sponsored

Psychiatry UK

Feeling unsure whether it’s ADHD, autism, or both can be overwhelming - especially when you’re not sure where to turn. Our experienced clinicians offer thoughtful, in-depth assessments tailored to you, helping you understand your symptoms and what comes next. Skip the uncertainty and long waits, and take a positive step forward today.

Find out more or book an assessment

In this article:

Video picks for ADHD

Continue reading below

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder and symptoms can vary greatly between people but are typically grouped into three categories - inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This means they primarily affect attention, impulse control, and activity levels and symptoms mainly present and are evident before the age of 12, however in some cases they may not appear obvious before the age of 12.

Inattention symptoms of ADHD

If you have ADHD, you may struggle to maintain focus and stay organised, which can significantly affect academic performance, performance at work, and everyday activities.

Common signs include:

  • Difficulty focusing on tasks or conversations.

  • Frequently forgetting or misplacing items.

  • Trouble following through on instructions or completing tasks.

  • Easily distracted by external stimuli or irrelevant thoughts.

  • Difficulty staying organised and managing time effectively.

Hyperactivity symptoms of ADHD

Hyperactivity in ADHD is not just about being physically active; it also refers to a sense of internal restlessness which may present in the form of a 'busy brain'.

Common signs of hyperactivity in people with ADHD include:

  • Fidgeting or squirming.

  • Talking excessively.

  • Difficulty sitting still or staying quiet when expected.

  • Restlessness or a constant sense of being ‘on the go’.

  • Thinking about many things all at once.

Impulsivity symptoms of ADHD

Impulsivity refers to acting without considering the consequences.

If you have ADHD, you may:

  • Interrupt conversations or others’ activities.

  • Struggle to wait your turn.

  • Make decisions quickly without planning ahead.

  • Have trouble controlling emotions or reactions.

What are the symptoms of autism?

Back to contents

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that primarily affects social interactions, communication, and behaviour. The symptoms are almost always present in early childhood, though they may not fully manifest until demands exceed capacity and start to cause impact on day to day life. The signs of autism can vary widely but typically include:

Social communication and interaction symptoms of autism

People with autism often have difficulty understanding and responding to social cues.

Some common signs include:

  • Struggling with understanding or using non-verbal communication - for example, gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice.

  • Difficulty maintaining eye contact or interpreting it in social situations.

  • Preference for direct or literal communication.

  • Challenges with small talk or forming friendships.

  • Limited understanding of social rules and expectations.

Repetitive behaviours and restricted interests

Autism is also characterised by patterns of repetitive behaviour and a strong focus on specific interests.

Common symptoms include:

  • Engaging in repetitive movements or behaviours - known as 'stimming'.

  • Intense focus on specific topics or hobbies.

  • A preference for routine and predictability, with distress when routines are disrupted.

  • Sensory sensitivities - for example, sensitivity to light, sound, touch, or smells.

The overlap between ADHD and autism (AuDHD)

While ADHD and autism are distinct conditions, they share many similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to distinguish between them, especially in people who may have both (AuDHD).

AuDHD (ADHD and Autism) reflect traits of both conditions.

Continue reading below

Key symptoms of AuDHD

Back to contents

The cluster of the symptoms of AuDHD are a result of a combination of both ADHD and ASD.

1. Executive functioning challenges

If you have AuDHD, you may often experience significant difficulties with executive functioning, a cognitive process that includes planning, organisation, time management, and decision-making.

This may manifest as:

  • Inconsistent attention - you might find it hard to stay focused, jumping from task to task without completing them, which is characteristic of ADHD.

  • Difficulty organising thoughts - you may have a tendency to become overwhelmed with large amounts of information, making it hard to prioritise tasks, a trait shared with both ADHD and autism.

  • Time management difficulties - like ADHD, AuDHD can make it hard to judge time effectively, leading to procrastination or lateness.

2. Sensory sensitivities and overload

If you have AuDHD, you may experience heightened sensory sensitivity due to the combination of ADHD and autism symptoms.

This can include:

  • Overreacting to sensory stimuli - lights, sounds, textures, or smells that others might ignore can cause stress or discomfort. This is typical of autism.

  • Difficulty filtering sensory input - in addition to autism-related sensory challenges, if you have AuDHD, you may also struggle with ADHD-like distractibility, making it harder to tune out irrelevant stimuli.

3. Emotional regulation and impulsivity

Emotional dysregulation is a significant feature of both ADHD and autism, but in AuDHD, this can be more pronounced.

You may experience:

  • Mood swings - rapid shifts in emotional states, such as irritability or frustration, which can occur due to challenges in managing impulses and emotions.

  • Impulsivity - as with ADHD, people with AuDHD may act without thinking, leading to outbursts, impulsive decisions, or risky behaviour. Combined with the rigidity often seen in autism, these impulsive actions might appear unpredictable.

4. Social interaction difficulties

Social difficulties in AuDHD reflect traits from both conditions. While autism leads to struggles in interpreting social cues and establishing relationships, ADHD can contribute to impulsivity in conversations and difficulty maintaining focus in social settings.

Symptoms may include:

  • Interrupting others - as seen in ADHD, a person with AuDHD might speak over others or struggle to wait their turn in conversations.

  • Difficulty understanding social norms - due to the social communication challenges of autism, you might not recognise appropriate conversational flow or cues, such as body language or tone.

  • Social fatigue - the demands of socialising might lead to burnout, as people with AuDHD may find it mentally exhausting to navigate social interactions.

5. Intense interests combined with distractibility

In AuDHD, you might experience both the narrow, intense interests often seen in autism and the distractibility of ADHD.

This can look like:

  • Hyperfocus on specific topics - you may become deeply absorbed in a specific interest or hobby, a hallmark of autism, but still be easily distracted by external stimuli or other topics, reflecting ADHD symptoms.

  • Difficulty switching attention - moving from one topic to another or shifting focus from a preferred activity can be challenging, even if you are interested in a different subject.

Key takeaways

Back to contents

The symptoms of ADHD and autism combined results in an experience which is unique to each person. The combination can create challenges in areas such as executive functioning, social interactions, sensory processing, and emotional regulation. Understanding these overlapping and distinct traits can help you get the right support, tailored to your needs.

Support for ADHD, autism, and AuDHD

If you recognise traits of ADHD, autism, or both, getting the right support can dramatically improve your quality of life. Here are a few options for support:

Clinical diagnosis and treatment

Getting a formal diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional is the first step toward understanding your condition. For ADHD, medication such as stimulants may help with focus and impulse control, while autism may benefit from therapies focused on social communication and sensory management.

Therapy and support

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - this type of therapy can help manage both ADHD and autism symptoms by addressing negative thinking patterns and teaching coping strategies.

  • Occupational therapy - for sensory processing difficulties and executive functioning challenges, occupational therapy can provide tailored strategies.

  • Coaching and life skills support - ADHD coaching can help with time management and organisational skills, while autism coaching may focus on social skills and self-regulation.

Educational and workplace adjustments

Both ADHD and autism may require adjustments in the workplace or educational settings.

Examples include:

  • Extended deadlines or reduced distractions.

  • Support with social interactions and communication.

  • Flexible schedules or breaks to manage sensory overload.

Building understanding and acceptance

Educating yourself and others about ADHD, autism, and how the combined presentation can look like is key. Support groups and community networks can provide a sense of connection, and understanding from family, friends, and colleagues is invaluable in creating an accepting environment.

Continue reading below

Summary

Back to contents

ADHD and autism are distinct conditions, but their symptoms can overlap significantly, especially when both are present together. Understanding the unique and shared symptoms of these conditions is crucial for seeking the right support and making informed decisions about treatment.

By seeking a formal diagnosis and engaging in therapy and support, you can better manage your symptoms, improve social relationships, and thrive in both personal and professional settings.

Patient picks for ADHD

How to cope with ADHD: practical tips for everyday living

Brain and nerves

How to cope with ADHD: practical tips for everyday living

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition that affects those who have it in different ways. If you have ADHD it may cause symptoms like restlessness, impulsive behaviour, and difficulty concentrating. It's important to address ADHD early to help you manage your symptoms, improve your wellbeing and strengthen your relationships.

by Victoria Raw

What is ADHD burnout?

Brain and nerves

What is ADHD burnout?

ADHD burnout is something that's little talked about. However, it can be a significant challenge for some living with the condition. While ADHD symptoms are widely recognised, we don't often address the impact of those symptoms - many of which can exhaust and overwhelm those constantly managing them.

by Victoria Raw

Continue reading below

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.