Definition
AuDHD is a community term for being both autistic and having ADHD. The two profiles interact rather than simply adding together: a drive for sameness and routine can pull against a drive for novelty and stimulation, producing a distinct internal experience.
Why It Matters
AuDHD is extremely common, and naming it helps people make sense of seemingly contradictory needs, like craving both predictability and variety. Supports designed for only one profile often miss the mark, so recognizing the combination leads to better accommodation.
Common Misconception
AuDHD is not a watered-down version of either. The traits do not cancel out; they collide and compound, which is why generic advice for autism or ADHD alone can feel like it does not fit.